Bed Rest After Embryo Transfer is Unnecessary

Bed rest after embryo transfer is not only advised by many IVF doctors , but is also forcibly imposed on patients , both by themselves or their family members. Patients often have the misconception that their embryos will fall out of their uterus if they walk around. They resort to lying flat on the bed to protect the embryos in their uterus.

It is an irrational belief that embryos in the uterus can be harmed by walking. Embryos inside the uterus are completely safe. But changing deep rooted misconceptions of people is a difficult task.

Dr. Malpani first tries to logically explain to them that no rest or precautions are necessary after embryo transfer , in much the same way that none is required after sexual intercourse. Patients reply with the statement that IVF is artificial and hence, requires more care.

This is an invalid argument because IVF is neither unnatural, nor artificial. A normal IVF cycle only mimics what happens naturally in the reproductive system during normal sexual intercourse. Because there is a medical problem due to which normal fertilization may not occur, assistance is necessary in carrying out the same deed.  The test tube used in IVF is comparable to the fallopian tube. The embryo only grows here for a few days in vitro, and after it is transferred into the uterus, the behaviour of the embryo is exactly the same, irrespective of whether it was formed in an IVF incubator or naturally in the fallopian tube after sexual intercourse. Embryo implantation is independent of its in vivo or in vitro origins.

When this explanation does not sit well with the patient, who often is not willing to listen to logical arguments, an emotional appeal is tried. Dr. Malpani tells patients that god has wisely designed the body in such a way that there is no danger of the embryo falling out. Hence, there is no rationale for them to worry.

Getting conflicting advise about do’s and don’ts after IVF ? Please send me your medical details by filling in the form at www.drmalpani.com/malpaniform.htm so that I can guide you better !