bed rest after IVF?

LindseyJW · November 2011

(asking for a friend)

retrieval yesterday - 18 eggs! woot! going to see what happens over the next few days, but expecting transfer on thursday or saturday. we are super excited!

my question is re: bed rest following the embryo transfer.

i haven't seen any research that suggests bed rest is beneficial (actually, some to the contrary). her doc is recommending 48hrs of bed rest. obviously she wants to do what is best, but we are both wondering if bed rest or returning (slowly) to normal activity best. she has no health conditions and the reason for IVF is MF.

can anyone point me to literature making the case one way or another?

and if you care to share, what did you do and why? did your doc recommend bed rest or slow return to normal activity?

TIA!

hootie123 · November 2011

Bed rest differs between REs - mine only has you do 24 hrs of 'couch rest' and then normal activity (except no heavy lifiting or running or sex during the 2ww). Others are much stricter - but I think its more for peace of mind than it is for anything else. As far as research - I think its inconclusive - if it pointed one way or the other - then all REs would do bed rest or not. So in reality they do what they think is best based on their experience. GL to your friend!

LindseyJW · November 2011

hootie123:
Bed rest differs between REs - mine only has you do 24 hrs of 'couch rest' and then normal activity (except no heavy lifiting or running or sex during the 2ww). Others are much stricter - but I think its more for peace of mind than it is for anything else. As far as research - I think its inconclusive - if it pointed one way or the other - then all REs would do bed rest or not. So in reality they do what they think is best based on their experience. GL to your friend!

ok, thanks! and best of luck to you as well!

ccam · November 2011

I go for my ET tomorrow and my RE is putting me on 48 hour bedrest. I will be doing what my doctor says because there has to be some reason behind it. After all we've been through to get here, I'm not risking anything. Good luck to your friend.

ETA: They consider it modified bedrest - I can get up to go to the bathroom and stuff. I can go to Thanksgiving at the ILs and sit on the couch for the day, etc.

jessican08 · November 2011

My IVF instructions indicate that I'll be on 48 hours of bedrest (only allowed to get up to go to the bathroom) but some REs recommend just "taking it easy" for the first 48 hours.

I can't point you to any legitimate studies or research recommending or not recommending bed rest but I will say that it is pretty standard protocol to be on 48 hours of bedrest or at least "modified" bed rest (laying on the couch, recliner, etc. - no heavy lifting or exercise).

I plan on adhering to the recommendation of my RE because if my IVF doesn't work...I KNOW I'll be saying "what if". Regardless of whether your friend has any IF issues (as you said, their issue is MFI related), she's got SO MUCH wrapped up in this IVF cycle...I would suggest sticking to her RE's recommendation. Hopefully she'll have good news in a few weeks!

NMscubagirl · November 2011

I am on day 2 of bedrest right now. While it is not the most fun ever, I will do anything my doctor tells me to. I don't want to play armchair quarterback to my doctor because even if there are a million things out there on the internet, they are the ones who live it and breath it and see it every single day. GL to your friend.

Mrs.Slick · November 2011

My RE said bed rest was not necessary but that if I wanted to for peace of mind to go for it. There's research for either argument and both have similar success rates.

I did take a day off following my transfer but it was more for the OHSS than anything - I was still pretty miserable at that point and it was a good excuse to take a day. The transfer itself was a breeze (besides almost peeing on the table). However on my day off I just took it easy with my sweatpants on and wasn't on bed rest by any means.

tst1998 · November 2011

There is no evidence that I am aware of (and I've looked!) that bed rest following IVF is beneficial. My RE only recommends taking it easy for the rest of the day.

That being said, there's no good evidence for a lot of what they do in IVF. There's no evidence that PIO is better than Crinone, yet most REs use PIO. No evidence for steroids with transfer, no evidence for FSH + LH rather than just FSH for stims, etc. etc. But I think it's a lot of "there's no harm, it might help, so let's try it." I don't think anyone is ever going to do a randomized control trial for bed rest for IVF (no one would pay for it), so I don't think there will ever be any data one way or another.

I wouldn't go jogging or anything. But I felt pretty comfortable ambulating after my IVF. I did totally milk that 24 hours of "taking it easy" for all it was worth though. "Honey, maybe you could make dinner tonight? And bring me the remote control? And some tea?" You really need to do what you fell comfortable with, because as one PP mentioned, if it doesn't work out, you will always wonder "what if."

mswood1977 · November 2011

I haven't started IVF yet (we are moving to that if IUI#2 doesn't work), but we have received information about treatment schedules/patient instructions for IVF from my RE.

The instructions for after embryo transfer say you should stay at home in a reclined or flat position for 72 hours. During this time you may roll from side to side, sit up to eat, use the bathroom and shower, but nothing more strenuous.

Jezebell26 · November 2011

I was on bed rest for the day of ET and the day after. I liked to take it easy and not do too much for a few days, but thats just me. I was also told no lifting anything heavier then about 10 lbs. I think every RE is different. And i guess they just want to give your body a break and make sure everything does what its supposed to do. best of luck!

LindseyJW · November 2011

thanks so much for all your input, ladies!

i wish you all the best of luck with your next cycles. BFP dust for everyone!

Want a personalized experience?

bed rest after IVF?

Re: bed rest after IVF?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards