IVF success Diet tips: Foods to Eat & Foods to avoid during treatment

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Reports suggest that a woman under the age of 35, who is undergoing the In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment has 39.6% chances of conceiving a baby, the numbers reducing to 11.5% in women above the age of 40. But, age is not the only factor influencing the success rate of the procedure - your diet and lifestyle play a crucial role too.

So, when discussing the IVF success diet tips, there are several factors one needs to consider. From the kinds of foods that will help with the treatment to the ones that could hinder the procedure, you should be aware of every single one of them.

Here, we have listed out the foods to avoid during IVF along with those promoting better success rates of the treatment.

Table of Contents

Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye

1. How Does Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Affect Your Fertility?

2. Best Foods to Eat During IVF Treatment

3. Foods You Need to Avoid During IVF Treatment

4. Important considerations for a Healthy Diet

Take Away

1. How Does Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Affect Your Fertility?

Diet and lifestyle play a pivotal role in making IVF more successful. If you are eating unhealthy foods filled with saturated fats and unhealthy sources of macro and micronutrients, they will eventually take a toll on your health. Hence, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet when trying to conceive via assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

Here are a few things to do to make IVF successful:

Dietary Changes

A study published by Harvard Medical School, suggests that those trying to conceive via IVF need to focus heavily on their diet. Women reported having a higher success rate at conception with the consumption of foods enriched with folic acid. Apart from that, a diet rich in plant-based isoflavones or plant-based estrogen compounds helped improve the chances of conception.

For men, consuming a diet rich in Vitamin B12, folic acid, and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids yields better quality of the sperm. Consumption of foods rich in antioxidants is also pretty crucial for a successful result.

In case either of the expectant parents consumes alcohol or drugs, they need to be completely flushed out of the system and put to a halt indefinitely. Diets rich in saturated fats and trans fats also contribute to the risks of failure, so avoid those too.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to the IVF success tips diet, you need to focus on making salient changes to your lifestyle as well. Healthy eating does optimize fertility but there are a few other influencing factors that you need to keep an eye out on.

Indulging in moderate exercise every day for at least 30 minutes helps improve sperm quality and ensures better chances of conception. However, doing vigorous exercise and heavy workout must be avoided because it may increase the risks of infertility even further.

Several studies indicate that smoking enhances the risks of infertility by 13%, so if you are undergoing an IVF treatment, smoking can further delay the process. It also contributes to the risks of abnormalities and genetic defects in the newborns.

Stress management is another important aspect while undergoing IVF treatment in Gurgaon. You must adopt methods of aligning your mind and body with meditation, breathing, and other forms of mental therapies. Additionally, getting enough sleep is crucial for a healthy conception and pregnancy term.

After embryo transfer diet chart

After embryo transfer one should Choose healthy foods instead of junk food or other processed foods. It is because healthy and fresh meals can make you feel physically and mentally energetic. Below we have tabulated the embryo transfer diet chart 

After embryo transfer diet chart
Food To Consume	Food To Avoid
Avocados	Caffeine
Corn	Soda & energy drink
Citrus fruits	Alcohol
Leafy green	Biscuits & Cakes
Sunflower seeds	White rice

Note- You should also discuss with your doctor which foods you should eat and which you should avoid if you are allergic to them.

2. Best Foods to Eat During IVF Treatment

One of the most essential IVF success tips is to consume balanced nutrition. Here are a few must-include nutrients that you need to prioritize in your diet:

Folic Acid - Folic acid or folate is a building block of a healthy pregnancy. It reduces the risks of underdevelopment in the baby during pregnancy.

Calcium - Calcium prevents the risks of preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, and even breast milk concentration.

Magnesium - Hormonal disbalance during pregnancy causes the excess discharge of the magnesium via urine, which is why supplementing excess magnesium is necessary during IVF treatment.

Iron - Iron is extremely necessary for a healthy pregnancy for the developing placenta and growth of the fetus.

Zinc - Pregnant women need 12 grams of zinc in their diet. It promotes DNA production and enhances cell production in the fetus.

Healthy fats - Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids help with the baby’s brain and vision development. It also takes care of the mother’s heart during pregnancy.

Protein-rich foods - Protein-rich foods are essential for muscle and tissue repair in the baby during pregnancy.

Hydration - Water is quintessential during pregnancy to prevent the risks of acid reflux and indigestion that several would-be mothers experience.

If required, the doctors will likely prescribe you a list of vitamin and mineral supplements that you would need for a healthy pregnancy.

Based on the list of the nutrients that we mentioned above, these are a list of foods that you can add to your diet for a healthy pregnancy and newborn while undergoing IVF treatment:

• Avocados

• Whole grains

• Legumes

• Beans and Lentils

• Citrus fruits

• Pomegranate

• Salmon

• Eggs

• Leafy greens

• Dried fruits

• Lean meat

• Berries

• Fish liver oil

• Sweet potatoes

All these foods are subjective and will vary depending on the individual’s nutritional needs.

3. Foods You Need to Avoid During IVF Treatment

Much like how you need to focus on the foods necessary for after IVF care, you also need to avoid consuming the foods that have a harmful impact on the pregnancy. Here is a list of a few foods that you should steer clear of:

• Full-fat milk

• Fish with high mercury levels

• Processed meats

• Alcohol

• Carbonated drinks with high sugar levels

• Soy

• Cigarettes

• Raw meat or fish

• Cheese

Additionally, try and avoid foods that don’t settle well in your stomach and can enhance the risks of acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion during the pregnancy.

4. Important considerations for a Healthy Diet

With the list of foods to include in your IVF success tips diet, you must practice healthy eating along with the dietary restrictions. It is not just about the food you are putting into your body. You also need to focus on these important tips:

• Eat your food mindfully

• Avoid foods that cause indigestion and allergy

• Drink adequate water to keep you hydrated throughout the day

• Avoid skipping meals

• Follow the meal plan as mentioned by your doctor

• Maintain a healthy balance of necessary nutrients that alleviate your pregnancy symptoms

The Role of Nutrition in Successful IVF

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. It's not just about eating well during pregnancy but also about preparing your body for the entire IVF journey, from the initial stages to post-embryo transfer care. Here's why nutrition matters and how it can influence the outcome of your IVF treatment.

Preparing Your Body

Before you even begin the IVF process, it's essential to optimize your health. A well-balanced diet ensures that your body is equipped with the necessary nutrients and energy levels for the demanding IVF procedure. Adequate nutrition can help regulate hormones, improve egg quality, and enhance sperm health, all of which are vital for successful IVF.

Enhancing Egg Quality

For women, the quality of eggs is a critical factor in IVF success. A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can protect eggs from oxidative stress and DNA damage. Folic acid, found in foods like leafy greens and citrus fruits, is particularly important in this regard. Additionally, plant-based isoflavones and estrogen-like compounds can positively impact egg quality.

Supporting Sperm Health

Men also play a significant role in IVF success. Consuming a diet rich in nutrients like Vitamin B12, folic acid, and healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can improve sperm quality. Antioxidant-rich foods contribute to healthier sperm and increase the chances of successful fertilization.

Post-Embryo Transfer Care

After the embryo transfer, your diet continues to play a vital role. Opting for healthy, fresh foods over processed or junk foods is crucial. Foods like avocados, whole grains, legumes, and leafy greens provide essential nutrients that support the early stages of pregnancy.

Hormonal Balance

Proper nutrition helps regulate hormones, which are pivotal during IVF treatment. Balanced hormones are essential for successful follicle development, ovulation, and the implantation of embryos. Nutrients like magnesium and iron play crucial roles in hormonal balance.

Why Should I Follow an IVF Diet Plan?

Following an IVF diet plan isn't just a recommendation; it's a proactive step toward increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome. Here are the key reasons why you should consider adhering to a well-structured diet plan during your IVF journey:

Maximizing Fertility Potential

An IVF diet plan is designed to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to optimize fertility. It can enhance egg and sperm quality, which are vital factors in the success of IVF.

Minimizing Risks

By avoiding certain foods and substances known to be harmful during IVF, you can minimize potential risks and complications. For example, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and high-mercury fish can contribute to a safer and more successful IVF process.

Supporting a Healthy Pregnancy

A well-nourished body is better prepared to support a healthy pregnancy. The right nutrients can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and ensure the proper development of the fetus.

When Should I Prepare an IVF Diet Plan?

It is advisable to start preparing your IVF diet plan well in advance of your treatment. Ideally, you should begin focusing on your nutrition at least three months before starting the IVF process. This allows your body to benefit from the positive changes in your diet and lifestyle, enhancing your chances of a successful outcome.

During this preparation period, consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist who specializes in fertility to create a personalized IVF diet plan. They can assess your current diet, identify areas for improvement, and recommend specific foods and supplements that can boost your fertility.

Take Away

If you are struggling with the concept of what to eat after IVF transfer, we hope this article answers all your questions. Remember that all the diet plans that you find on the internet are generally prepared to help you decide what works best for a healthier pregnancy. These are not subjective and might change according to your body and your needs. Visit the best IVF clinic in Gurgaon to know more.

At Prime IVF, you get the best information concerning the diet plans during the IVF treatment and the pregnancy term too.

IVF diet chart

A healthy IVF diet chart includes fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Along with this you can eat a range of snacks during your IVF treatment. These snacks may include berries, baby carrots, almond butter with apple slices, Greek yogurt, and nuts. Here we have tabulated the IVF diet chart this will help you make a healthy diet during IVF treatment.

IVF Diet Chart
Food To Consume	Food To Avoid
Banana	Alcohol
Beans	Beverage having alcoholic constituents
Whole grains	Food containing saturated fats i.e., Biscuit, cake
Broccoli	Food containing simple fat i.e., white flour, white rice
Dates	Limit your caffeine

Note- You should also discuss this with your doctor before taking on a comprehensive diet plan.

Faq

1. Can I eat chicken after the embryo transfer?

You could eat chicken and meat after the embryo transfer because it contains Arachidonic acid which is rich in omega-6 fatty acid. The Omega-6 fatty acid has an important role in anti-inflammatory response in our body and after the embryo transfer an anti-inflammatory diet is essential for successful IVF. Other anti-inflammatory diets include foods like clean proteins such as legumes, low-fat poultry, and fish, as well as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.

2. Can I eat cucumbers after the embryo transfer?

Yes, cucumber is beneficial after embryo transfer. Cucumber is rich in nutrients and known to increase fertility and improve the likelihood of conception in women. Thus, it is a component of pregnancy-friendly diets.

Cucumbers have also been associated with lower blood sugar levels. Their mineral and sodium content can also help control blood pressure. Cucumber is high in vitamin B, a feel-good vitamin that improves your mood and supports your baby's growth.

3. Fruits to avoid after embryo transfer

Excess consumption of papaya, pineapple, and grapes should be avoided after embryo transfer. It is because:-

• The semi-ripe or raw papayas contain latex, which can cause early contractions and be unhealthy for your unborn child
• And certain enzymes found in pineapples change the tone of the cervix and may also cause early contractions. In addition to having this impact, it is also known for causing diarrhoea, which can be extremely painful during pregnancy.
• Grapes are known to increase body temperature, which is bad for both the woman and the embryo.

4. What should I avoid after egg retrieval?

After egg retrieval, you should avoid driving, using any tools or machinery, or drinking alcohol. Along with this you should also avoid raw meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and sushi.

After the egg retrieval you should also stay away from allergenic foods, caffeinated drinks, and inflammatory foods such as red meat, processed foods, fried foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugar. When refined carbohydrates are combined with processed foods and simple sugars, fertility problems worsen.