Preparing for embryo transfer....what can I do? Also interested in hearing about transfer without drugs.

[AccidentalMum]

I am planning to be a surrogate in April and was wondering if anyone knows if I can take/ eat anything to prepare? Should I give up alcohol in advance?

Also, I've read about mums receiving unmedicated Frozen Embryo Transfer....does anyone have any experience of this? Is it less effective?

I'm absolutely no expert on surrogacy and I'm sure there are plenty more knowledgeable people on here, but I ate a handful of brazil nuts and drank a small glass of pineapple juice every day after my embryo transfer, which is supposed to help implantation. Don't know if it works but I love both of them so wasn't any hassle!

Can I also just say that I think it is an incredible thing you are doing - we battled IF for five years before having our beautiful son so I'm know how much your gift must mean to someone.

Good luck .

Grrr, I hate brazil nuts and pineapple juice but I suppose I can do that. My intended parents will be looking after me for a few days after implantation so they will have to bully me .

I am no expert on IVF or surrogacy yet! The fact sheets from the clinic are for FET though as that is basically the bit I do.

oh dear, sorry!

I'm sure you don't have to eat/drink them if you don't want to - probably won't help implantation if you feel stressed just thinking about it!

I actually think feeling like I am doing something will help so thank you for the info. I cant imagine how excruciating that wait will be for everyone.

No worries!

The two week wait is excruciating, there's no getting round it. If you're planning to rest then make sure you stock up on plenty of books/magazines/DVDs to take your mind of things. I also went for a gentle stroll each day just to keep me sane!

bump:-)

AM, if you don't get any luck here have you tried posting on fertility friends?

fertility friends

The site is solely about fertility treatment and you're probably more likely to find someone who can help.

I've had 4 FETs on a natural cycle and 2 on a medicated cycle, all as a surrogate. Only one of those resulted in a pregnancy, and we actually had twins.

There isn't really a great deal you can do to improve your chances of success. It's all down to the correct timing and the quality of the embryos.

Obviously in the months leading up to the transfer you should be as healthy as possible, ie not drinking or smoking, or taking unprescribed medications but you are basically in Mother Nature's hands.

Best of luck.

Oh, the twins were a result of a natural cycle. All I had to do was monitor at home for ovulation, then once ovulation was confirmed by ultrasound, the transfer was 2 days later.

I will never do a drug cycle again, to be honest. I believe a natural cycle is just as effective and the drugs to down-regulate me turned me into a psycho woman.

Thanks for the info SBBP and Geepers. I found the jargon on FF a little offputting but should probably immerse myself!

AM, they're a friendly lot honest - when I first had to have IVF I was totally confused but asked loads of questions (all answered helpfully and without being made to feel like an idiot!) and now am an expert - unfortunately - on IVF jargon!

Don't forget, all the women who post on there have been the newbie at some point or another.

I have done 3 FET cycles - two with estrogen tablets and progesterone supps, and the third with Buserelin injections, estrogen patches and progesterone supps. I never got pregnant, although I am now 9 weeks pregnant from subsequently doing a fresh cycle.

Although the FET cycles did not work for me, I am convinced that they should be done with the drugs, based on what two different consultants have told me. These drugs work to build up the lining and help it to secrete more welcoming 'stuff' to help the embryo impant.

There is no clinical evidence / research that eating or drinking anything (or not) improves/impacts your chances of getting pregnant. Sorry to be so blunt but the pineapple and brazil nut thing is purely an old wives tale that any consultant would just laugh at.

My consultant at Hammersmith told me, "I shouldn't saying it but let's face it, most of us were conceived over a bottle of wine". And the reality is that until you ARE pregnant, there is no link with the embryo and your blood supply. Did I quit alcohol just before treatment and through the 2WW, absolutely. It's three weeks of your life afterall and not a big deal. Of course I think it is healthy to cut back on drinking anytime but please know that if you do, you'll be doing it for you and your own well being vs. it aiding your getting pregnant.

I wish you good luck!