Lie back to increase chance of pregnancy

Women undergoing artificial insemination have a “significantly higher” chance of getting pregnant if they lie on their backs for 15 minutes after treatment.

The research published on BMJ.com today by  Dr Inge Custers from the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam, is calling for all women undergoing the procedure to be offered 15 minutes of immobilisation afterwards.

Though the reason for the success is not clear, researchers believe that moving around directly after the treatment may cause leakage.

Dr Custers says: “Although immobilisation takes more time and occupies more space in busy rooms, the intervention will be economic in the long run, as pregnant patients will not return in subsequent cycles.”