The stage after IVF embryo transfer is crucial and you have to be cautious every step along the way to ensure that your pregnancy is not hindered by any factors. One of the factors that you should be very picky about is food or your diet after embryo transfer.
Your body will undergo manifold changes after embryo transfer, and you need an appropriate diet to maintain the health of your body and the transferred embryo.
There are certain foods you should intake and some you must avoid. Avoid foods that are processed, too oily, have high-sugar content, and that will escalate your body temperature. Include foods that are rich in iron, vitamin C, proteins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Here, we give you a detailed list of foods befitting the Indian diet that you can adopt after IVF embryo transfer for a healthy pregnancy.
Before getting into the food suggestions please make sure that below content is not written by a random person or any dietitian, Hi Myself Dr.Niveditha Leading Fertility Doctor in chennai. To know more check the author box below.
Before Breakfast
Being empty-stomached up to two hours after waking up is unhealthy. Drink a glass of water once you wake up. You can have a glass of milk without sugar too. During the IVF process, it is better to avoid taking huge amounts of refined sugar as it may increase your risk of type II diabetes. This includes jaggery and honey as well.
You can have 4 overnight-soaked almonds or walnuts as well since they improve digestion and are good containers of activated antioxidants.
Also, say no to tea and coffee during this stage, including excessive green tea intake. Too much of anything is good for nothing, isn’t it?
IVF Breakfast Diet
Yes, you take idli, dosa, idiyappam, or foods made from fermented batter in moderation. Have sambar instead of chutney varieties that contain coconut as dips. Include millet and pulses in your breakfast too.
For protein, take boiled eggs rather than half-boiled eggs to prevent Salmonella infection.
You can include fresh fruits and cooked vegetables in your breakfast as well.
IVF Morning Snacks
For snacking always go for fresh fruits or juices like apples, oranges, pomegranates, kiwi, orange, guava, or banana after embryo transfer procedure. Pineapple, papaya, jackfruit, and mangoes must be avoided.
Avoid beetroot or carrot juices as they are uncooked. Staying extra cautious is never wrong. You can have vegetable soups.
IVF Lunch Diet
You can have rice for lunch. But prefer healthier red or brown rice over just white rice for your diet.
You can read our artical about eating rice after embryo transfer to know about it.
Combining rice with curd is a good choice, as are sambar, lentil, or spinach curries. However, avoid spicy curries for the time being.
Take a considerable amount of cooked vegetables for your lunch, like carrots (if uncooked, don’t prefer), spinach, and other locally available vegetables. Avoid taking brinjal, potato, and drumsticks in excess.
Avoid crabs and prawns as they can escalate body temperature. You can take red and white meats in moderation.
IVF Evening Snacks - Say no to vada
In the evening you can have well-cooked pulses, fruits, nuts and dry fruits, and sugarless milk for snacks.
Do not take packed and processed snacks, deep-fried savories like vada, and chat items excessively.
IVF Dinner Diet
You can repeat the morning diet for the night as well. Include idli, dosa, idiyappam, uthappam, upma, and millet dosa. You can have porridge (Warm oats cooked slowly with water or milk) as well.
Take your dinner at least an hour before going to bed to prevent indigestion and heartburn. You can have a cup of milk too before going to bed.
Conclusion
You may feel too hungry after the IVF process. You should neither eat excessively nor starve yourself to malnutrition. So, eat in moderation at frequent intervals to maintain both your and your fetus’ health.
Indian recipes tend to be spicy at times. Avoid spicy, salty, highly processed, and high-sugar-content foods after embryo transfer. Take foods that are friendly to your stomach and that do not disturb your overall health.
Prefer baked foods over fried foods to avoid excessive oil intake. Ensure that your foods are completely cooked too to prevent bacterial infections via foods.
You can also approach a dietician to create a personalised diet chart after embryo transfer. To know more about diet after embryo transfer, you can also consult a fertility specialist.
FAQs
Focus on nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and carrots. Avoid raw vegetables and opt for cooked or steamed options.
Yes, guava is safe and beneficial to eat after embryo transfer, as it is rich in vitamins C and A, which promote immune health and overall well-being.
Opt for protein-rich foods like eggs, nuts, and lean meats, alongside whole grains, leafy greens, and fruits that support your body’s needs during this crucial phase.
Berries, oranges, apples, and guava are great fruit choices as they provide essential vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration to support a healthy environment for embryo implantation.Avoid fruits that may cause gas or bloating.
Yes, you can eat dosa in moderation after embryo transfer. It provides carbohydrates for energy, but balance it with protein-rich and nutrient-dense foods for optimal nutrition. It’s important to choose a version made with healthy ingredients and to avoid overeating.
Yes, you can eat idli after embryo transfer. Idli is a light, easily digestible food that provides essential nutrients without causing digestive strain, making it a safe choice during this period.