When you're in the middle of IVF, especially during the two-week wait (or in my case, eight days), you’ll try just about anything to feel more in control, supported, or simply hopeful. I’ve done this dance more than once, and each time I found myself leaning into a mix of science, superstition, and self-care.

Some of these IVF rituals are backed by research, and others are more about comfort and mindset. But they all helped me feel grounded during a time that can feel so uncertain.

Here’s exactly what I did after my embryo transfer.

1. 🍟 McDonald’s French Fries

Yes, it’s a thing, I grabbed fries right after transfer for some “sticky luck.” Comfort food and a little superstition never hurt. As the superstition goes, you should get the fries on the way home from the transfer.

2. 🍍 Pineapple Core

We cut the core into 5 pieces, eating a piece per day for 5 days post-transfer. Bromelain is believed to help with implantation by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the uterus, creating a more receptive environment for the embryo.

3. 🧦 Warm Feet = Warm Womb

I wore cozy socks and leaned into warm drinks. According to traditional medicine, warmth supports circulation to the uterus.

4. 🌿 Acupuncture Pre + Post Transfer

This helped me stay grounded, reduce stress, and boost blood flow. I timed it within 24 hours before and after my transfer.

5. 🍲 Warm, Nourishing Foods

I focused on warm meals, oats, soups, and cooked veggies to support my body’s energy and digestion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cold or raw foods are thought to slow digestion and disrupt internal balance, while warm foods help maintain circulation and "yang" energy, which is associated with warmth, movement, and fertility.

6. 🍷 Pomegranate Juice

I drank 4 oz of pure pomegranate juice each day post-transfer, leading up to our pregnancy test. It’s packed with antioxidants and often tied to uterine lining support. While there isn’t hard clinical proof that pomegranate juice directly boosts IVF success, some studies suggest its benefits for cardiovascular health and uterine blood flow.

7. 😂 Laughter Therapy

I made space to laugh daily. Comedy specials, silly reels, and quality time with my family kept me lifted. Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, reduces cortisol (your stress hormone), and can even improve immune function. For people going through IVF, that kind of stress relief matters.

8. 🧘‍♀️ Implantation-Friendly Movement

Legs-up-the-wall, gentle cat-cow, and butterfly pose helped me feel connected and calm without overstimulating my body. These slow, grounding movements support circulation to the pelvic area without raising core temperature or heart rate too much. It was less about "working out" and more about creating space, physically and mentally, for my body to do what it needed to do.

The 5 implantation yoga poses I did with all successful transfers:

9. 💗 Womb Meditation & Visualization

I took quiet moments to breathe deeply, talk to my embryo, and visualize a warm, welcoming womb. This kind of intentional mindfulness helped shift my focus from anxiety to connection. Whether it “works” in a measurable way or not, it gave me a sense of calm and presence—something I really needed during those uncertain days.

The meditation I did to connect with my embryo in the womb with all successful transfers.

10. 📵 Social Media Detox

I unplugged for nearly two weeks to avoid comparison and stay centered in my own energy and hope. It also helps avoid surprise triggers or posts that could change your hopeful and focused mindset.

Other IVF Rituals and Steps for Full Body Support

Never one to rely on superstitions or rituals completely, I also added in some self-care and smart health choices to give my body the best chance to nurture the life growing inside of me.

💪 I gently moved my body daily to encourage blood flow, walking 8,000–10,000 steps and doing low-impact Pilates. But I also fully rested when needed.

🥗 I balanced my meals with protein-forward options, moderate carbs, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense fruits and veggies.

💧 Hydration was key. I drank lots of water, at least 90-128 oz per day

☕ I limited caffeine to 12 oz or less per day to support hormone balance.

Every journey is different, but these were the little rituals that helped me feel grounded, hopeful, and supported during my eight-day wait. At the end of the wait, we found out we're expecting Legg Baby #3! Follow my Instagram to keep up with the Legg Family Adventures.