Bed rest for IVF

[kris71]

For those that have done IVF, do you really have to lay in bed for 3 days after the transfer or can you get up and walk around and just not do anything strenuous? The reason i ask is i have a toddler and I know i will need help with him but will i really be confined to bed for 3 days?  Just trying to know what to expect...

[Juana824]

Hi,
I had three IVF cycles and wsan't told to be on bedrest on any of them. Out of the three cycles, I had two pregnancies and one resulted in a bouncing baby girl! i was just told to take it easy, no constant up and down the stairs, lifting heavy things or doing anything to strenous...I was even told not to sweep or mop! DH "loved" that one. After my transefer that resulted in full term pregnancy, I was dancing around the house with family for Christmas! I say take it easy, but still do things...bed rest will drive you nuts! Best of luck to you!

[ummansoor]

I had a few friends here with positive results that had 2 weeks bed rest except for potty breaks. I didn't do this and I regret it. If I have to rest for 2 weeks to make it happen then it's a priority. Don't forget it's not a regular pregnancy you can ask someone to baby sit until you complete 2 weeks and the embryo is a bit more stable in position. Best of luck!

[berrykkiss]

Dont tippy toe in the kitchen to reach the top shelves. Ask DH for help.

[baby4me2hold]

This is my first IVF and RE told me 2 to 3 days of bed rest and only up to potty and shower on day 2 and 3 and then no lifting ; running ; or any thing stranues till beta but you can be laying on the couch ; bed and my hubby even bought an out side couch for the deck so I can be out side ! But me I want to do every thing possible to make sure I did evey thing possible so I know in my heart it was nothing I did (GOD for bid ) it dose not work ! Good luck I hope you figure it out !

[google_eyes]

My clinic does not recommend ANY bedrest.  Even after the transfer they just told me to get up and continue my normal life as usual.  I didn't even lie there for any amount of time.   I even asked them about it, and he said No.

I actually don't see the logic in bedrest, and if you research it online, there is no known proof that bedrest has higher rates of implantation.  I think it's more to make us feel better about the process and more comfortable.  

I just think that every clinic has their own way of doing things.  The clinic I go to has equally as high rates of success as any other.  The main factors in success is really egg quality.  I'm sure you'll be fine chasing around your 3yr old.  

[Helen72]

I was told to take it easy.  I actually went back to work the day after my transfer and got bfp in 10 days.  There is no evidence that bedrest helps anything.
Good luck!

[pol79princess]

My dr. told me to be on bed rest for 24 hrs. afterward, getting up only to go to the bathroom. From what I've read in numerous sources, there is very little to no data to show that bed rest (or lack of it) will affect the implantation in any way, so I think it's just a precaution...

Logically, it really does not make any sense that walking or moving around would "dislodge" the microscopic embryo that probably can't even detect any movement. There is a doctor on one of the expert forums here that said she had 3 embryos implanted and then went on a plane right away and resumed her normal activities, and she got pregnant with triplets!

[mysty2001]

I have done pretty close to bed rest on my successful rounds

[mlb1234]

My RE was not so conservative.  They want you to take it easy that day but it's not real "bed rest" , more like a lazy day of watching TV on the couch but still being able to tend to other children and make dinner, etc.  
I don't really buy the bed rest thought anyways - it's not like  you are on bed rest when you get pregnant naturally!!  Often times you don't even know you are pregnant!  I plan to take it easy for a day but then get back to normal, although I won't exercise hard or anything like that.  

[krichar]

My RE said to relax for a couple days but no lifting anything over 10 pounds till beta so i would suggest getting a sitter to help during the days.

I was not allowed to vacuum, lift anything over 10 pounds, no strenuous excersize, no hot tubs or swimming, no baths (only showers). They had a little memo that these things are NOT known to afftect implantation but they wanted us to know in our hearts we did everything to make it work and not to question ourselves if it didn't and torture ourselves with what ifs

[happynifer]

my RE only did 24 hours of bed rest, with 3-5 days of limted activity and pelvic rest
for the bed rest they wanted me in the recliner or in bed and getting up only to use the bathroom.
my tv, the laptop and my knitting made it doable, but you might need a sitter that first day to chase your toddler...