How to optimise pregnancy success after embryo transfer

　　
　　Embryo transfer, a key component of assisted reproductive technology (ART), marks the final stage of the treatment cycle. However, it is still necessary to follow a scientific post-procedure management programme after transfer to maximise pregnancy success. Below are the five core strategies recommended by the international reproductive medicine community:
　　I. Standardise the luteal support programme
　　Post-transplant progesterone supplementation should be strictly followed:
　　Pharmacological effects: Progesterone creates an ideal endometrial environment for embryo implantation by inhibiting myometrial contraction and regulating endometrial tolerance. It also promotes the development of mammary gland follicles in preparation for lactation.
　　Dosing regimen: Fixed daily dosing time (e.g. 8:00 AM) is recommended, using vaginal suppositories/gels (bioavailability up to 50-60%) or intramuscular injections (injection site needs to be changed periodically). If breakthrough bleeding occurs, prompt dosage adjustment and monitoring of serum progesterone level are required.

　　II. Scientific planning of postoperative activities
　　Principles of activity: Normal living can be done within 24-48 hours after transplantation, avoiding absolute bed rest (studies show that prolonged bed rest increases the risk of thrombosis by 23%). Low-intensity activities (e.g., walking 3,000-6,000 steps per day) can be performed from the 3rd day after surgery, but should be avoided:
　　High-intensity exercise (heart rate >120 beats/min)
　　Abdominal pressurisation (e.g. sit-ups, squats)
　　Strenuous activities with temperature difference (hot yoga, cold water swimming)
　　Work arrangement: It is recommended that telecommuting is the main focus for 1 week after surgery; if on-site work is required, you need to get up and move around for 5 minutes every 45 minutes to improve pelvic blood flow.
　　III. Fine Nutritional Management
　　According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines, the postoperative diet should follow the following principles:
　　Recommended intake:
　　High-quality protein: salmon (rich in Omega-3), turkey, Greek yoghurt (≥60g per day)
　　Dietary fibre: chia seeds, oatmeal (25-30g daily)
　　Antioxidants: blueberries, spinach (Vitamin E ≥15mg/day)
　　Contraindication list:
　　Foods containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors: aged cheese, pickled products
　　Teratogenic risk substances: raw fish, unpasteurised dairy products
　　Uterine contraction inducers: bromelain (fresh pineapple), excessive caffeine (>200mg/day)
　　IV. Psychological interventions and stress management
　　Evidence-based interventions:
　　Positive mindfulness stress reduction therapy (MBSR): 15 minutes of daily meditation reduces cortisol levels by 23 per cent
　　Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): for IVF Anxiety Inventory (IVF-AA) scores >35, professional counselling is recommended once a week
　　Social support: joining a reproductive support group (e.g. RESOLVE International), and spouses need to have 20 minutes of emotional empathy daily.
　　V. Symptom monitoring and emergency response
　　Normal response:
　　Dull, mild abdominal pain (implantation pain, lasting <48 hours)
　　Spot bleeding (endometrial microvascular rupture, bleeding <5ml)
　　Early warning signs:

　　International standard reference for diagnosis and treatment:
　　American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Guidelines for Luteal Phase Support (2022 edition)
　　British Fertility Society (BFS) Consensus on Postoperative Management of ART (2023 update)
　　Clinical pregnancy rates can be improved to 65-70% with systematic postoperative management (data derived from European Fertility Centre statistics). Patients are advised to maintain close communication with their fertility specialist team to develop an individualised follow-up plan.