After Embryo Transfer: What to Do and Not Do in the Two-Week Wait

Immediate Post- Transfer (Day 0-1)

Rest today. Take it easy. Avoid:

• - Strenuous activity or heavy lifting
• - Long drives or flights (jostling can cause cramping)
• - Sexual intercourse 

Light activity is fine: gentle walking, sitting, reading. Pain and cramping usually resolve within 24 hours.

Days 2–14: Movement and Activity

Bed rest does NOT improve success rates. In fact, bed rest may induce anxiety and worsen psychological outcomes .

• - Light exercise: walking, gentle yoga, swimming, stretching (30–45 min daily) is fine and psychologically beneficial
• - Work: if work is sitting, fine; if work is physical, stressful or involves strenuous travel, consider a modified schedule 
• - Avoid intense exercise: no running, CrossFit, heavy lifting, or contact sports Sex: avoid penetrative intercourse for the 2-week wait

Medications During Two-Week Wait

• - Continue progesterone: daily, pessaries, gel or rarely injections as prescribed
• - Painkillers: paracetamol (acetaminophen) is safe; ibuprofen and naproxen may interfere with implantation, so avoid
• - Ongoing medications (for thyroid, blood pressure, diabetes, etc) would already have been optimized for pregnancy and should be continued. 
• - Other medications: discuss with Dr. Tank before taking anything new

Diet and Hydration

• - Eat normally: no special 'fertility diet' required
• - Stay hydrated: dehydration stresses the body; drink 2–3 litres of water daily
• - Avoid: alcohol, excess caffeine, unpasteurised dairy
• - No special foods: despite myths, pineapple, Brazil nuts, and pomegranate don't improve or worsen implantation

Travel During Two-Week Wait

Short-distance travel (driving <2 hours) is fine. Long travel (flights >8 hours):

• - Risk: dehydration, blood clots (general risk, not IVF-specific)
• - If travelling: stay hydrated, move around frequently, consider compression socks
• - Avoid high-altitude travel (>2500m) where oxygen is lower

What NOT to Do

• - Don't obsess over symptoms: cramping and breast tenderness are normal and don't predict success or failure
• - Don't stay in bed: movement is protective, not harmful
• - Don't avoid work or socialising: distraction is good for anxiety
• - Limit information intake to credible sources. Avoid doomscrolling. 
• - Don't take herbal supplements and alternative medicine interventions without asking Dr. Tank (some interfere with implantation)

Q: Is hot water/baths okay during the two-week wait?

A: Yes. Avoid very hot baths (>38°C) and prolonged hot tub exposure, but warm showers and baths are fine.

Q: Can I wear normal clothes or should I avoid tight pants?

A: Tight clothes don't harm implantation. Wear whatever is comfortable.