Bed rest after an embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• In Vitro Fertilization
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Bed rest after embryo transfer (ET) is a common practice in in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• This practice is based on the belief that reduced physical activity prevents embryo expulsion.
• Evidence supporting this belief is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of post-embryo transfer bed rest on IVF success rates.
• To analyze data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine if bed rest influences pregnancy outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis of five published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted.
• Data from 1002 women undergoing embryo transfer were analyzed.
• Outcomes included clinical pregnancy, live birth, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple pregnancy, and implantation rates.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates were observed between women who had immediate mobilization and those who had bed rest (RR 0.86, p=0.06).
• Similarly, no significant differences were found for live birth, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple pregnancy, or implantation rates.
• Subgroup analyses on immediate mobilization versus 24-hour bed rest also showed no significant outcome differences.

Conclusions:

• Immediate mobilization after embryo transfer does not negatively affect IVF success rates.
• The findings suggest that routine bed rest after ET is not supported by current evidence.
• Healthcare providers should reconsider the recommendation of bed rest following embryo transfer.