You can’t do that during IVF! The ones who are undergoing IVF procedures must have encountered such instructions from friends, family, or IVF experts. Now that you have finally decided to undergo you’re In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedure, making certain changes and emphasizing more on your lifestyle regime is important. An IVF journey is associated with a myriad of procedures, treatment cycles and not to mention thousands of emotions! Anxiety and confusion are an integral part of In Vitro Fertilization procedures.
Your routine activities in terms of dietary patterns and physical activities have a major role to play in the treatment success as well as to combat potential IVF risks. Here’s a compilation of IVF dos and don’ts one needs to follow before, during, and after IVF treatment.
Dos and Don’ts before IVF
Before getting started with In Vitro Fertilization procedure, a woman is prepared for ovarian reserve examination. The ovarian reserve testing involves blood work and examining the follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH). Fertility health testing helps an infertility expert to get a detailed analysis of the quality and size of the eggs before beginning the procedure. While getting started with an IVF treatment, you need to take special care of and abide by the following dos and don’ts of IVF.
- Add a balanced diet to your routine that includes adequate minerals, vitamins, and nutrients.
- Weight management: To increase your chances of implantation and a healthy conception, you need to maintain a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 18.5 and 30.
- Taking care of your mental and physical health is also important before IVF treatment.
- Moderate exercise is good before IVF.
- Don’t consume alcohol and smoke before, during, and after IVF. It affects fertility and fetal health.
- Stress management is important because stress is not good for fertility health.
- Reduce the consumption of caffeine and nicotine before IVF.
Dos and Don’ts during IVF
During IVF, prepared eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized in an IVF laboratory. The fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are then transferred into the uterus for implantation. The duration of one full IVF cycle is about three weeks. Depending upon the medical condition, the process may take longer.
- Eat fertility-boosting foods and consult your fertility expert for proper vitamins and supplements.
- Sleep well. During IVF treatment, moderate sleep of around 7-8 hours is important for the patients undergoing IVF cycles for enhancing the chances of implantation.
- Increase your water intake
- Do not take any over-the-counter medications without consulting your fertility doctor
- Refrain yourself and your partner from excessive heat to improve your fertility health
- Avoid consuming foods like fish that are extremely high in mercury
Dos and Don’ts after IVF
This is the most crucial part of the entire IVF procedure. You need to be extra careful after embryo transfer. It is important to follow the instructions as guided by your fertility expert. Some of the IVF dos and don’ts after IVF treatment are as follows.
- Avoid hot baths and saunas. It can increase the temperature of the maternal uterus.
- Regular moderate exercise, yoga, and meditation will help you in stress management.
- Don’t lift heavy objects and avoid any strenuous activity
- Get enough sleep
- Drink lots of fluids
- Adopt a healthy dietary regime
Key Takeaways
The two-week wait after embryo transfer is full of doubts and anxiety. Along with the exhilaration of welcoming a new life, women often experience apprehensions and nervousness about a successful conception. These simple IVF dos and don’ts are often overlooked but are really important points to consider before, during, and after IVF treatment. A balanced diet, a healthy fitness regime, and adequate sleep can help you boost your chances of conception. You should also refrain from drinking and smoking habits as it can affect both fertility as well as fetal health.
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