Throughout the anthropological study of humankind, a unifying pattern has emerged: human beings practice rituals and hold superstitions for the events they can’t control in life. Trying to get pregnant is one of those events that carries so much uncertainty for those undergoing IVF. How do surrogates cope with going through an IVF cycle and embryo transfer knowing that the only thing they can control is following the medication and bed rest instructions? Here are some of those interesting and sometimes peculiar habits that help to pass the time during the two week wait:
Eat the Pineapple: Some people believe that the Bromelain found in pineapple (most highly concentrated in the core) can boost the chance of embryo implantation. Surrogates slice the pineapple into discs and eat a slice or two each day starting the day before embryo transfer and continuing a few days post transfer. Does it really work? Who knows! But if you love pineapple it couldn’t hurt!
Wear Socks: There is an eastern medicine belief that warm feet make for a nice cozy womb for the embryo. Some surrogates wear socks to their IVF transfer and for the days following the transfer. Being comfortable after an embryo transfer may help you to feel more relaxed so if toasty toes will help you rest at ease- go for it!
Talk to the Embryo: Of course the embryo can’t hear this early on, that happens much later in pregnancy, but the thought is that positive energy and the power of intention for the embryo to stick around might influence the outcome. It is not particularly scientific, but Surrogates tend to be positive thinkers and there is no harm in trying it.
Don’t Eat Cold or Raw Foods: This one also stems from eastern medicine, but as far as staying comfortable and relaxed, comfort foods may help to keep you at ease. Avoiding raw vegetables or cold foods that can make your digestive system work harder when you’re on bedrest may prevent unwanted indigestion. Definitely steer clear of raw foods that wouldn’t be considered safe for pregnancy such as sushi.
To POAS or Not to POAS: This coping mechanism during the two week wait can be a source of reassurance, or it could cause unnecessary worry. In surrogacy lingo POAS is a fun little acronym for “Pee on A Stick” or to take a home pregnancy test. There are a lot of good reasons to NOT do this such as avoiding a false negative, a positive not indicating how viable the pregnancy is, and the expense of buying tests. There is only really one reason to do it, and that is because you just can’t stand waiting another moment for the official test, and you’re not alone there. I am an infamous home pregnancy test cheater. The key is to keep the results private, so your intended parents aren’t worried by it, and to take the results with a grain of salt. I have seen surrogates with negative home tests on the day of the official blood test turn out to be viably pregnant, and I have seen surrogates with positive home tests turn out to have chemical pregnancies.
These are just a few of many rituals surrogates may follow to relieve their anxieties during the two week wait or to try to positively influence the outcome. If you tried something else that you felt worked or didn’t work, please feel free to share. Sending positive embryo sticking thoughts to all of the surrogates out there with upcoming transfers!
About the Author:
Shoshannah Ingersoll is the Surrogate Match Coordinator at The Surrogacy Program and a proud 3x Gestational Surrogate. For more information please visit: https://www.eggdonation.com/becoming-a-surrogate/top-surrogacy-agency call 818-506-9300 or email shoshannah@eggdonation.com for a free consultation.
Recent Comments