Massage before or after transfer?

[Doodlebug23]

I’ve just started meds for my 6th transfer (embryos 7 and 8), and I’m finding work quite stressful at the moment, and I know it’s related to IVF. I’m trying to get things on track at work so that when I get to my transfer it’s less stressful, which is stressing me out even more! Im really feeling the pinch at the moment after 5 failed transfers (meds, travel etc), cost of living crisis, unexpected vets bills, running a house solo….

Anyway…. I get a short session of acupuncture at the clinic in Spain before transfer, but I’m thinking of booking a massage locally either before or after transfer and I can’t decide which will be more beneficial?

Part of me thinks maybe now would chill me the fuck out preparing for transfer, but part of me thinks maybe after little embryo is safely tucked away would be better?

Would just like thoughts and opinions please? I can’t afford to go twice! 🙈

[KHRAM]

acupuncture really helped me relax also heard reflexology is good too maybe do before transfer x good luck wish you get best news soon, sending you baby x

[Doodlebug23 in reply to KHRAM]

I am tempted to do it before as that’s also sooner and feel like I need it! I ca. have a session of accupuncture at my clinic right before transfer 😊

[Daisy-Delilah in reply to Doodlebug23]

If it were me I’d definitely do it before as I always treat my body ‘as if I’m pregnant’ after transfer, and I think generally the rule is you shouldn’t have a massage in first 12 weeks.

Also last time before my transfer I had to go to chiropractor for back problems who also does massage. I was really nervous and so told her about the transfer and she said if your body is relaxed and no tense ligaments then that should help your body be prepared for transfer.

Good luck xxx

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Daisy-Delilah]

Oooohhh ok that’s a very good point, I didn’t realise. I’m going to message and see if I can get an appointment. I’m so tense. X

[WillowPark]

Hi, I would definitely do before. I have had experiences of feeling horrendous after deep tissue massages (which I think is a good thing - release of toxins etc) but I wouldn't risk that with embryo on board! Good idea though - hope you chill out soon. I did wonder last transfer about getting a facial after transfer - similar relaxation/pampering without the massage risk 🙂

[Doodlebug23 in reply to WillowPark]

Cannot believe I never thought about it being an issue after! 🙈 Definitely will be going for before! Facial is a good idea!!

[AshleyJB]

Hi there. 👋🏻 I asked my clinic about a massage a couple of days before transfer and she said no as it's too close to transfer amd wouldn't risk it, I remember she said something about lymphatic drainage from a massage is not a good idea too close to the transfer. They also advise no afterwards because you have an embryo on board and have to act as if you're pregnant. A massage would've been so relaxing too! Lots of luck with your transfer xx

[Doodlebug23 in reply to AshleyJB]

I’m going to see if I can get one now as I have a few weeks to go. Can’t believe I didn’t know I shouldn’t have one! 🙈 x

[AshleyJB in reply to Doodlebug23]

I didn't think I could after transfer but I had no idea before either! Good thing we're checking these things! I'm sure a couple of weeks before would be fine. I did some relaxing yoga just before and after transfer which helped relax me slightly, you could try that! I just searched IVF and post transfer yoga on YouTube. Good luck! Xx

[Doodlebug23 in reply to AshleyJB]

I have googled a lot but there’s always something else isn’t there! I love love love this forum and rely on it so much for information, advice, and mostly just for the lovely people who really understand what it’s like on this crappy journey. X

[Twiglet2]

I would do it before transfer personally as not really meant to do ‘normal’ massage when pregnant ;there are specific pregnancy ones though but think they are for later on) and sounds like it will turn any stress hormones you have into nice happy hormones in preparation for little embryos being on board! Xx

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Twiglet2]

Happy hormones. I like that!!! X

[Wishinandahopin]

definitely before transfer but not too close to the transfer- maybe the week before? Unfortunately after transfer you can’t have massage etc until 12 weeks pregnant.

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Wishinandahopin]

I’ve got a few weeks so I’m going to see if I can get one this week x

[Hidden]

Hi Doodlebug23,

Sorry to hear your last transfer was unsuccessful! I had everything crossed for you. But glad to see you are back and prepping for your next round.

I can’t recommend reflexology enough. I have an amazing reflexologist whose specialty is women’s fertility and supporting conception. I only used her once to support a cycle and it was my most relaxed and positive experience and resulted in my BFP and twins! 😊 I had a specially designed session once a week to support the body with each phase of the cycle, reminding it what it’s supposed to do. I also had one after transfer to aid implantation (but I wouldn’t suggest this unless the practitioner specialises in this area). But generally I find it super relaxing and would highly recommend before transfer! And I’d suggest letting them know why you want the session so they can focus on the right areas.

Wishing you all the very best and hope these two embies snuggle in for you!

Lots of love,

Lana xx

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Hidden]

Yea here I am back again 😢🙈 But I’ve found my positivity this time. And both myself and my clinic are throwing everything at it! No alcohol and no vape (since NY), more supplements after more research, healthier eating, change of protocol with more additions.

I’d love reflexology but I can’t afford several sessions, and there’s nobody near where I live who specialises in fertility. I am going to look into it though cause if I can stretch to a session before and a session after if there’s anyone not too far away I’m going to go for it! X

[Eggfreezer2015]

I went for a masssge 9 days before transfer as I felt my body was so stressed and tense and needed a release. I also did acupuncture the morning of transfer and I am now 26+3 pregnant. Get your massage in advance to release the tension and stresses and prepare you. Best wishes xx

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

Thankyou that’s a great positive guide for me!! My transfer could be 25 Jan to 2 Feb depending on my scan on Thurs so if I can get in I’m going to have one Tues/Wed this week. My clinic also offer accupuncture the day of transfer so I’m going to take that offer again.

Hope your pregnancy is going well. X

[Eggfreezer2015 in reply to Doodlebug23]

Wish you all the best 🤞🏽🙏🏽

[Doodlebug23 in reply to Eggfreezer2015]

Thankyou x

[Missionofendo]

Morning Hun,

Tell them you are having IVF as they have to be careful of that area.

I would do it now before the trip to Spain and also try some medication and anything that helps calm mind and body.

Essential oils are also good / literally focus on trying to help now as much as you can it’s so easy for me to say but different when your going thru it 🙏

It’s incredibly stressful going thru it alone I’m here for you 🙏🫶

[Kiara89]

I will try acupuncture myself. From what Ive read it seems to help. About the massage I would definitely do it before transfer. My biggest doubt it's what to do about work, cuz no matter what I do about my day schedule, I just know it's going to be stressful, we are short of staff, minus 2 people. I'm debating talking to my boss to kind of have a better planned day to day, but I just know they will force things mig day, and I don't want everyone knowing about my treatment... it's a difficult situation.

I think you should try to put some bounderies about how much you can take in a day to day basis at work, for them to treat you better, for your day to day to be somehow lighter. And hopefully it will be less stressful.

Good luck xxx

[Positivechangeplease]

hmmm on my successful try I went all out, moved to only methylfolate folic acid, cut out caffeine as well as alcohol, stopped eating food out of plastic as much as possible to reduce xeno oestrogens, did yoga. And sought an acupuncturist. She said I needed massage and acupuncture for several weeks before my transfer then acupuncture only from my transfer for I think 3 days until the day it should implant. She did special heat on my womb that worried me a bit and said she couldn’t detect anything. However it all worked after this. I can’t say it’s down to any of the measures I did but if I did it again I would do it all. Mostly I would say the acupuncture was more important than the massage but reducing stress is very important. Good luck xxx