IMPACT OF PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT WITH MEDITATION ON IVF/ICSI CLINICAL OUTCOMES: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

To study the effect of psychosocial support with meditation on IVF/ICSI clinical outcomes in women undergoing non-donor fresh embryo transfer. Prospective cohort study was conducted from 1st January to 31st December 2022. Women <35 years age with normal ovarian reserve were included . Women with any endocrinological disorder or uterine abnormality were excluded from study. Total of 100 women were randomized by computer generated random number table and divided into 2 groups. Group A included 50 women who underwent fresh embryo transfer(ET) after psychosocial support with meditation while Group B included 50 women who underwent fresh ET without psychosocial support. The psychosocial support was provided at each treatment stage for Group A. During the pre-treatment phase, the couple were provided detailed treatment related information, data on success rates in single as well as repeat cycle, and the need to have optimal lifestyle to improve their overall as well as reproductive health. The couple were taught simple chanting meditation practice to be continued during the entire treatment, while explaining them the benefits of the same. Before ET, guided meditation of 15-20 min duration was given. This involved three steps:a) Body relaxation b) Regulated breathing with awareness c) Use of imagery and positive affirmations regarding readiness of the body to conceive. During waiting period, each couple was offered online support. The 24 hour helpline number was made available for them so that they could reach out for any concerns , which were addressed. All top quality blastocysts in both groups were transferred The cycle characteristics like female age, length of stimulation, gonadotrophin dose used, number of oocytes, average number of embryos transferred were similar in both groups (p>0.05). We observed higher CPR in Group A vs Group B, 48% versus 32%, p <0.05, which was statistically significant. There are many studies in literature which show that psychological stress can have negative impact on IVF outcomes. This study proves that psychosocial support with meditation improves the IVF/ICSI clinical outcomes in women undergoing non-donor fresh ET and can act as an adjunct to improve pregnancy outcome in couples undergoing IVF/ICSI.