Preparing for your Frozen Embryo Transfer

If your frozen embryo transfer (FET) is coming up, I’m sure you’re equally excited and nervous. There is SOOO much that happens in the infertility journey to get to this point and you’re almost at the end!

But with that comes the pressure to do everything right so that it works this time.

Trust me, I know. Because I went through 7 TWWs myself. Here are a few things I learned about how to prep for your frozen embryo transfer.

Preparing for FET - Day Of

Full bladder.
On your transfer day, the most uncomfortable part will be the full bladder. If you have not been told already, on the day of your transfer your RE will request that you show up at the appointment time after consuming a bunch of water with a full bladder. What makes this part so uncomfortable is that you end up really needing to go and are then terrified you’ll pee during the transfer. I am happy to say that fear never came true for me. But, if that happens for you, it won’t have been the first time and it certainly won’t be the last time it happens either.

Don't worry, if there is too little (or too much water) in your bladder, the doc has some options so it won't be something that ruins the experience. A common fear is that when you are finally able to pee after the transfer you will pee out the embryo- and I've had many an RE confirm that is not something to be concerned with.

Someone to hold your hand.
There will be a lot of people in the room. Remember how you thought creating a baby would be an intimate moment between you and your hubby?

Well, this time it will include the RE, anyone who might be assisting the RE and the embryologist. I’d encourage you that even though it feels like the room is full – having your spouse (or someone super special) there with you is really important. You'll both usually be able to see a screen of the ultrasound to watch as the doctor inserts a catheter that has your embryo in it. When you see a quick white flash - that's the moment the embryo is back inside you and I encourage you and your partner to have a special moment then. (a nice kiss, big strong squeeze of the hands, saying a prayer, or whispering "welcome home baby" are a few ideas!)

If it can’t happen that someone accompanies you, because, sometimes it just can’t happen, find a way to have a moment that's special to you to mark the day and the occasion. Because this is the moment that your future baby is put back inside you to grow for 9 months. It’s a really special moment and one that, if possible, should not be treated as a medical treatment that you just walk out of.

Preparing for FET - After the Transfer and the TWW

Bed rest.
Some clinics request bed rest for a day or two after the transfer. Others just want you to lay down for 30 minutes after the procedure. Others have you hop right off, pee, change, and get on your merry way immediately. This is all based on different information out there – so if you trust your RE – trust their advice for your situation. I’m no doctor, but I have seen success from all three scenarios.

Food.
There are so many old wives tales about what food to eat when. So I won’t go into all that. But I will share that my acupuncturist encouraged me to stay away from cold foods and drinks and to stick with warm or room temperature items during the Two Week Wait. I felt like this was an easy thing to do whether it worked or not.

Warm feet.
Another tip from my acupuncturist was to keep my feet warm for the TWW. The idea here is that by keeping your feet warm your body’s energy and blood flow can focus on your uterus. My thought was this could not be harmful and was an easy ask!

Hope dwindles.
I’m not a Debbie Downer, but I will tell you no matter how certain and excited and hopeful you are when you start your TWW, there will be a turn in your emotions and you’ll start doubting that it's working. Whether you have symptoms or not, it happens to all of us.  You’ll start googling like crazy. Searching things like “am I pregnant if I don’t feel any symptoms?” “success rates of frozen transfer for women (fill-in-the-blank age).” etc.

Did you know that side effects of progesterone, your period and pregnancy can be the same? Did you know that many healthy babies are born and the mom never felt any symptoms in the first few weeks?  

Everyone's experience is different.

Two Week Wait Challenge
I created a TWW Challenge to help women just like you stay hopeful, stay busy, and feel supported during the TWW. It’s an online program (that's FREE)!! that you can follow based on YOUR transfer date that includes daily positive quotes and activities to do along with some encouragement. It’s my way of helping you not feel alone during the most stressful time of IVF.  I’d love for you to sign up by clicking the image below!