Preparing for IVF is just as crucial as laying a strong foundation for your body. Doing so, you are helping your body embrace the IVF process while creating a nurturing environment for your future child to grow. This guide will help you understand the best ways to prepare your body for IVF procedures. You can also see experts’ advice about how to prepare your body and mind to achieve positive pregnancy outcomes.
Why You Need to Prepare Your Body for IVF?
Without the support of your body and mind, nothing would be achieved. This is also applicable to IVF procedures. Why do you need to free yourself from chemicals or any other external factors? IVF procedures need the support of your body and mind together. Because the medicines given while going through the IVF procedure should be acceptable to your body. As it is heavier than other medications, you need to make up your mind to go through the process from the initial phase to the final without any disruption.
You need to enhance your daily food habits along with some exercises to nurture your body to adapt to IVF medications. Prepare and plan to start these changes three months before your IVF cycle to ease yourself. It looks simple but requires more dedication and understanding that involves consistency. Yes, consistency is the key to following these lifestyle changes.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
The word seems simple, but it requires a lot of effort from both male and female partners. It is the responsibility of both men and women while undergoing IVF treatment in chennai. Understand the needs of your partner and support them at every step. When it comes to diet, the first question that arises in your mind is how to maintain a healthy diet, what foods you need to take, and what to avoid.
To maintain the health of your sperm and egg, you need to incorporate more nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and other good things into your diet. Good food makes good things in your life. Avoid more oily foods, junk foods, deep-fried items, tinned and canned foods, etc. Why do you need to avoid these? For example, compare the nutrition of a homemade spinach curry with a burger in your favourite shop.
| Aspect | Spinach Curry | Burger |
|---|---|---|
|
Calorie Density
|
Low (0.03 cal/oz)
|
High (540 calories) |
|
Vitamins & Minerals
|
Rich in Vitamin K, A, C, Iron, Magnesium, and Vitamin B6 (98.8%/cal)
|
Contains Calcium (8% DV), Iron (33% DV), and Potassium (12% DV) |
|
Risky Components
|
Moderate levels of saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and sugars (0.01%/oz)
|
Higher levels of saturated fat (55% DV), cholesterol (41% DV), and sodium (34% DV)
|
|
Fiber Content
|
Good source (15% of DV/100g)
|
N/A |
|
Protein Content
|
2-3%
|
High (34g per serving) |
|
Fat Content
|
N/A
|
High total fat (27g), including saturated (11g), polyunsaturated (2.8g), and monounsaturated fats (10g) |
|
Portion Size
|
As per your need, you take this curry to finish your meal.
|
1 Burger (226g)
|
Does Alcohol Affect Your IVF Cycle?
It’s true that drinking alcohol can affect fertility by interfering with hormones, diminishing the quality of eggs and sperm, and decreasing the success rate of IVF by the age. It may result in negative side effects and reduce the effectiveness of drugs. Both partners should avoid alcohol to optimize conception chances.
Instead, prioritise healthy coping strategies like exercise and emotional support during the emotionally challenging IVF process. While moderation may be acceptable, consulting your specialist is vital. For the best outcomes, refrain from alcohol entirely during IVF treatment.
Reduce Caffeine Intake
Some research says that high consumption of caffeine may reduce the effect of IVF treatment. It may include energy drinks, coffee, tea, etc. It is most advisable to avoid drinks bought from the market completely. Instead of that, consume a lot of fresh juices and plain water that doesn’t harm you.
| Caffeine & IVF: Key Insights | Details |
|---|---|
|
Impact on Fertility
|
Consuming too much caffeine can lower fertility and decrease the chances of IVF success. |
|
Recommended Intake (NHS)
|
200 mg per day (~2 cups of coffee).
|
|
Research Findings
|
Maternal caffeine consumption linked to negative pregnancy outcomes.
|
|
Recommendation
|
Limit coffee, tea, and caffeinated drinks before and during IVF to reduce potential risks.
|
Take Fertility Supplements
Do you know that supplements alone won’t support your IVF process? Your lifestyle changes, along with food habits and a good environment, may result in positive outcomes. Common fertility supplements include acetyl L-carnitine, vitamin E, folic acid, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin C.
According to some research, these supplements may increase sperm motility, egg responsiveness during IVF, and general reproductive health, all of which may increase fertility. However, excess intake may cause potential side effects. Don’t consume these supplements by buying them from local pharmacies without the knowledge of your healthcare provider. Transparency and trust are crucial in the IVF process.
Avoid the Exposure to Harmful Chemicals and Smoking
A recent study shows that couples who smoked had a higher risk of not achieving pregnancy (2.41 times) and not having a live birth (3.76 times) compared to non-smokers. Smokers also had fewer oocytes retrieved, with women who smoked showing a 40-46% decrease in retrieval. Smoking even years before IVF can negatively affect reproductive outcomes, highlighting the importance of quitting before treatment.
Some chemicals that affect your IVF cycle include insecticides, phthalates (found in lotions and perfumes), parabens (found in cosmetics and personal care products), and BPA (found in some plastics). Lead, mercury, flame retardants, and some pesticides may alter the way your hormones function; these substances are known as endocrine disruptors.
Look After Your Mental Peace
Stress, worry, and depression are some of the mental health effects of fertility issues. Ninety percent of those who struggle with infertility report feeling melancholy and may also describe feeling scared and powerless. It’s critical to discuss your feelings and ask for help when you need it. Put your attention on relaxing methods like doing exercise and meditation with quality sleep to enhance your physical and emotional well-being.
Exercise and Meditate Regularly
Frequent moderate exercise, such as yoga or walking, can improve fertility, control weight, and lower stress.
Improve Your Quality of Sleep
Since insufficient sleep can disrupt hormonal balance and fertility, getting a good night’s sleep is especially essential for IVF success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to maintain both your body and mind wellness to get into the smooth transition of the IVF cycle. If you feel any discomfort before, during, or after the IVF cycle, you can consult your personal healthcare provider to get rid of it. Because they always stand beside you to support your dream of parenthood to come true.
