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Foods to Avoid After Embryo Transfer

Foods to Avoid After Embryo Transfer

IVF (In vitro Fertilization) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where the eggs and sperm are collected from a couple and fertilized in a laboratory. This is one of the most popular ARTs that has helped several couples overcome infertility and achieve their dream of parenthood.

If you have undergone an IVF embryo transfer, it is natural for you to vary of the foods you must avoid at all costs. You will have tried very hard to get pregnant through IVF. Your efforts should not be wasted because you were unaware of what you should and shouldn’t eat during this period.

In this article, we’ll look into all the foods you should avoid after an embryo transfer. Go through this article carefully and avoid eating these foods at all costs for a safe and healthy IVF pregnancy.

Foods to Avoid After Embryo Transfer

The foods we will discuss below can affect your fertility and pregnancy results in one way or another. If you have been eating these foods, try avoiding them, at least during your pregnancy.

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Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

Excess caffeine and alcohol can affect the implantation rate after an embryo transfer. Excess caffeine has been found to affect both male and female fertility and often causes miscarriages.

Excess alcohol also leads to complications during implantation and embryo development. Doctors usually suggest couples quit smoking and alcohol at least three months before starting IVF treatment.

Raw Seafood

Most fish have some harmful bacteria and parasites in them. Eating them raw or undercooked can increase the risk of contracting infections and diseases like listeriosis or toxoplasmosis. Only eat fish if they are thoroughly cooked and served steaming hot.

Processed Foods

Processed foods are a big NO if you are trying to get pregnant. They are high in artificial sugars, sodium, fat, and other unhealthy substances that can cause inflammation and affect your fertility.

Processed and junk foods are also one of the reasons causing hormonal imbalance and PCOS. They also increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

High-Mercury Fish

Mercury is an element commonly found in many fish like sharks, king mackerel, and swordfish. They are harmful to the embryo and can affect their brain development.

You can instead go for low-mercury fish like salmon, shrimp, catfish, light tuna, pollock, etc.

Unpasteurized Dairy and Juice

Unpasteurized (unheated) dairy products such as milk, butter, and cheese have the risk of containing bacteria called listeria and causing foodborne illnesses in women trying to get pregnant. They also increase the risk of miscarriages or stillborn babies.

Women should instead have pasteurized (heated or boiled) dairy products to get the essential nutrients during pregnancy.

Raw Eggs

Raw or partially cooked eggs contain a bacteria called salmonella that can cause food poisoning and weaken your immune system. This can make you susceptible to foodborne illnesses and affect fetal development.

Women should instead go for fully boiled eggs to kill off the bacteria and enjoy all the essential nutrients eggs offer.

Delicatessen Meats

Delicatessen meats refer to cooked meats that are sliced and sold in shops. They don’t have to be cooked and can be served as it is bought. Doctors usually suggest women avoid these meats as they have the risk of carrying listeria.

If you want to eat this meat, ensure you cook it well until it is steaming. The heat should kill off the bacteria.

Other Tips to Follow After Embryo Transfer

Here are some health tips you can follow other than adding some foods to your diet. These steps can increase the chances of implantation and pregnancy.

Avoid High-Fat Foods

High-fat foods like fried foods, chips, full-fat dairy, processed meat, etc., can decrease insulin resistance and cause issues like diabetes and metabolic disorders.

It also impacts implantation rates and affects pregnancy. Avoid high-fat foods during your IVF treatments and opt for nutrient-dense fruits. Remember, even healthy fruits can be problematic after embryo transfer, so choose wisely.

Don’t skip meals

A healthy diet goes a long way in maintaining your overall health and well-being. They also play a role in maintaining your hormone balance. Skipping meals can disrupt this balance and affect your body’s natural processes.

Skipping meals also deprives your body of essential nutrients and can lead to low blood sugar levels. This can affect your chances of pregnancy. Try to have a full, regular meal schedule for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Follow the Dietary Restrictions Suggested by Your Doctor

Your doctor understands your health condition best, and they would suggest some dietary restrictions based on your condition. For example, if you have insufficient vitamins, your doctor might recommend adding more vitamin-rich foods to your diet.

The same goes if you have less protein. Discuss with your doctor and make necessary changes to your post-transfer diet plan.

Conclusion

The two-week wait after the embryo transfer is a very crucial period that determines the success or failure of your IVF cycle. It is crucial to stay healthy by following a healthy, well-balanced diet to increase your chances of pregnancy.

If you still have doubts about what foods to eat during your post-transfer period, you can consult your fertility doctor or a nutritionist and create a diet plan based on your nutritional needs.

FAQs

1. Is moderate caffeine during pregnancy okay?

While most doctors don’t have too many restrictions on caffeine intake, it is best to limit or entirely avoid caffeine during pregnancy.

2. Can I eat seafood during pregnancy?

Of course, seafood is one of the foods that can provide you with most of the essential nutrients you need during pregnancy. But ensure you only eat fully cooked fish. Raw, undercooked, and high-mercury fish can potentially risk your pregnancy.

3. Can I drink milk after embryo transfer?

Yes, milk is one of the best foods to add to your IVF diet. Milk is abundant in iodine, which can help improve your fertility and promote fetal growth. Regularly consuming milk during pregnancy has been shown to increase live birth rates. Just make sure the milk is boiled before you drink it.

4. Can I do housework after embryo transfer?

Yes, you can do minor household work that doesn’t require moving often or lifting heavy things. Doing light work also ensures you stay physically active. Take it easy after an embryo transfer, and don’t do work that will put too much stress on your body.

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Dr Niveditha

Dr. Niveditha is the co-founder of The Hive Fertility and Research Centre. She is a young and passionate fertility expert who aims to provide high-quality fertility treatments to her patients. During her 10+ years of service as a fertility expert, she has helped several hundreds of patients overcome their infertility and become parents. She also specializes in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology

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