So, congratulations! You’re at the final stage of In Vitro Fertilization treatment. Whether you can be a single mom or a couple, you have come across so many challenges till this stage.
At this stage, what you consume can make a difference in supporting your body and the embryo. Even though it is fresh fruits or organic vegetables, it is important to be mindful.
Yes, indeed some universally healthy fruits can also be the worst choice after embryo transfer. Let’s explore the specific fruits to avoid and the reasons behind it.
Why to Avoid these Fruits?
- Avoid certain fruits after embryo transfer, such as unripe papaya, pineapple, and grapes, as they may hinder implantation and cause discomfort.
When it is IVF treatment, everything becomes a concern. Whether it is a fruit, vegetable, or cooked item, you need to be aware of everything you eat. In general, people avoid some fruits according to their tastes. On what basis, women should avoid these fruits after embryo transfer.
Here is a list of fruits to avoid and why it is necessary to consider.
Fruits to avoid
So, cut off the list of fruits from your diet after the embryo transfer.
- Unripe papaya
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
- Peaches
- Lemons
- Dates
- Mangoes
- Grapes
- Bananas
- Watermelon
Reasons to Avoid
Unripe papaya: Papain in unripe papaya can induce miscarriage, so it is highly avoidable after embryo transfer.
Pineapple: The high bromelain content can affect the blood and causes unwanted effects in early pregnancy. And the high citrus content is not so a welcoming situation post the embryo transfer.
Kiwi: This fruit leads to dehydration if not balanced properly with adequate amounts of water. The high vitamin C content acts as a natural diuretic that could affect the transfer process.
Peaches: The laxative properties of peaches could lead to discomfort after the embryo transfer.
Lemons: No doubt that lemon has high citrus content. It could trigger the stomach’s acidity and make you feel uncomfortable. So, avoiding lemons during fertility treatment is advisable.
Mangoes: This fruit can heat up your body and affect the implantation process post embryo transfer. So, say goodbye to the king of fruits and welcome a healthy baby.
Grapes: In particular, avoid black grapes because of resveratrol. This can potentially interfere with embryo implantation.
Bananas: The high sugar content can have a significant negative impact on implantation. After an embryo transfer, eating bananas can spike blood sugar levels, potentially creating an environment unsuitable for embryo implantation
Watermelon: Besides being an instant refreshing option, watermelon causes bloating and gas, which makes you uncomfortable after the transfer process.
General Recommendations for Fruit Consumption
The above-mentioned are the important fruits to avoid after embryo transfer. But, focusing on what to eat is also significant for successful and healthy implantation.
So, here are some general recommendations and the safest ways to consume them. Take a glance.
Safe Fruits to Consume after Embryo Transfer
Now, you know what to avoid after embryo transfer. It’s time to be aware of some safe fruits to consume post ET.
- Apples.
- Pears.
- Strawberries and blueberries.
- Avocados.
- Pomegranates.
Moderation is the key
Everyone is aware that too much of anything is good for nothing. Hence, include the fruits in a moderate amount and make sure to maintain a balance.
You can add slices of apples or pears in an oatmeal bowl and mix it with nuts. It provides sufficient nutrition and keeps the fruit consumption in moderation.
Consider doctor's recommendation
Eating berries and other fruits can promote good health and fertility. Still, opting for doctor’s consultation is essential to get personalized care and attention.
Sometimes, sugar in fruits may spike the blood sugar levels. Asking suggestions from your gynecologist can make a huge difference. The list of fruits and vegetables in the fertility expert’s recommendation can make the environment suitable for the placenta development and implantation.
Balanced diet is essential
Consuming a balanced diet is essential every time, but it becomes even more important while undergoing fertility treatments.
Other than fruits, you should now be concerned about everything you intake. It includes medicines, vegetables, dairy products, fluids, and more.
Get a customized chart from the gynecologist to maintain a proper balance in your diet.
Tips for a Healthy Diet After Embryo Transfer
- Post-embryo transfer, focus on lean proteins, folic acid-rich foods, complex carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, healthy fats, and hydration for reproductive health and support.
What you eat has a deep impact throughout the IVF process. This section includes some important tips for a healthy diet and what to avoid post ET. Take a glance at them.
Protein: It supports the metabolic process, cell growth, tissue repair, and keeps you satiated (full). Protein is important for embryo implantation and fetal development.
Lean protein such as chicken, salmon, lentils, tofu, eggs, and low-fat dairy products are good sources of protein.
Folic acid: Women who are trying to conceive should consume 400 to 800 mcg folic acid. This ensures successful pregnancy and prevents serious health problems for babies also.
This is also known as B9, significant for DNA synthesis, brain and immune function, and production of RBC red blood corpuscles. You can ask your fertility experts to get some folic acid supplements both before and after transfer.
Include folic acid rich foods like black beans, chickpeas, mustard greens, berries, oatmeal, corn, barley, brown rice, avocados, and sunflower seeds.
Complex carbohydrates: In general, adding complex carbohydrates as part of your diet is good for reproductive health. This helps to regulate blood sugar levels and improves hormonal balance.
Complex carbohydrate foods are millet, fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains like brown rice and oats.
Fiber-rich foods: Including fiber-rich foods in your diet post embryo transfer prevents constipation and supports your digestive health. Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, peas, bean, nuts, flaxseeds, cucumber, and cabbage are good sources of fiber.
You can add it in your diet and provide enhanced nutrition that promotes successful pregnancy outcomes.
Calcium & Healthy fats: Both healthy fats and calcium is important for bone health and development of the baby. You can intake dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, plant-based milk such as soy milk and almond milk.
Monounsaturated and Omega 3 Polyunsaturated fats are found in avocados, seeds, nuts, and oily fish. These foods improve fertility in both men and women. So, consider consuming it after embryo transfer.
Fluids: Finally, yet importantly, keeping yourself hydrated is essential for promoting a good environment for placenta development in your womb. Drinking adequate water is essential for optimal cell functioning.
Water, herbal teas, coconut water, fresh fruit juices, soups, and broths are some good choices for keeping yourself hydrated.
Summary
Paying close attention to your diet and the nutrition you intake is important throughout the IVF treatment. Avoiding these fruits can make a huge difference and help to create a supportive environment for the placenta development and embryo implantation.
So, add them in your diet and drink plenty of water to stay healthy and hydrated. Last but not least, discuss and ask your doubts regarding the fruits intake with your fertility experts as they can provide you personalized suggestions. It could become an important reason for the success of in vitro fertilization.
FAQs
No evidence says that pineapple improves and supports the implantation process. Still, it is commonly not recommended to pregnant ladies and after embryo transfer.
So, don’t take any risks after embryo transfer. Ask suggestions to your fertility expert to get a personalized fruit chart post embryo transfer.
Berries and pomegranate are the two particulars that help in implantation. Strawberries and blueberries are the greatest choice among the berry varieties. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and E, these berries encourage cell growth, overall reproductive function, and promote hormonal balance.
Pomegranate helps to increase the blood flow to the uterus and promote uterine lining. This promotes healthy pregnancy and supports optimal heart function.
Blueberries, strawberries, avocados, and pomegranate are the highly recommended fruits to consume after embryo transfer.
Apart from these fruits, women should include folic acid-rich food items. Whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal and corn, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and sunflower seeds.
Healthy fat items like soymilk, tofu, chia seeds, nut butters, salmon, and zinc-rich foods such as peanuts, cashews, potatoes, mushrooms, oysters, and lentils.