If you have been suffering from infertility issues and chose to undergo IVF to become pregnant, you know how important this treatment is for you.
In that case, it is imperative that you do everytihng you can to ensure the treatment is a success. Now that the embryo transfer is complete, the next stage would be confirming your pregnancy.
Although you can’t determine whether your IVF cycle will be a success, it is better to follow a healthy diet and prepare your body well to support and nurture the new life that will start growing inside.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best foods you can eat after embryo transfer to nourish your health and your baby. We have also added some foods you should avoid during this period. So read till the end to learn more.
What To Include In Diet After Embryo Transfer
There is no definite food that you can and cannot take after embryo transfer. As long as it is healthy and does not contain ingredients that can harm your body, you can eat anything to your desire.
However, there are some nutrients that you should definitely add to your post-embryo transfer diet. Let’s look at some of them below.
Protein
As you already know, proteins are the building blocks of your body. They help build and repair tissues and aid in maintaining your overall health. This applies to the uterus, too. Proteins makes you uterus healthya nd suitable for implantation.
Proteins also play a role in estrogen and progesterone hormone production, both of which are necessary for pregnancy. If you wish to add proteins to your diet, here are some healthy options for you.
- Beans
- Lentils
- Tofu
- Lean meat
- Fish (low-mercury fish)
- Poultry
- Eggs, etc.
Healthy Fats
Remember, not all fats are bad for your body. There are healthy fats, like mono and polyunsaturated fats, that can improve your health and help overall fertility, thus increasing your chances of pregnancy.
Foods like avocados, nuts and seeds, salmon, coconut oil, and olive oil are rich in healthy fats and can be very nutritious for your body. Also, try avoiding foods with unhealthy fats like biscuits, white chocolate, cheese, and bacon.
Fruits And Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients and should be a must-add in your post-embryo transfer diet. They are rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, zinc, potassium, iron, and many more.
All these nutrients can help improve your overall health and can also increase your fertility potential. Some healthy fruits and vegetables you can add to your diet chart are banana, pineapple, broccoli, spinach, etc.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are rich in fiber and aids in digestion and nutrient absorption, unlike simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates do not cause blood sugar spikes and provides sustainiable energy to your body.
You can include complex carbohydrates like whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa, fruits, vegetables, millets, legumes, etc., in your post-embryo transfer diet.
Hydration
Hydration is a crucial factor to ensure a healthy bodya nd a successful pregnancy. Take lots of water and other liquids and stay hydrated throughout the day.
You can also have fruit juices or other healthy drinks to get enough nutrients and stay hydrated during this period.
Foods To Limit Or Avoid
All the above foods are very good choices to have after your embryo transfer. Likewise, there are also certain doods that can have an adverse effect on your IVF preganncy.
Let’s look at some of those unhealthy food choices below.
Caffeine
Excess caffeine has been shown to affect your hormone levels and affect your fertility. This can adversely affect your implantation rate during IVF. It is okay to have coffee, but take it in limited amounts.
Processed Foods
Processed foods are high in sugars and other artificial chemicals. They can severely affect your IVF success rate. Avoid them during your IVF treatments.
Raw Or Undercooked Foods
Raw or undercooked foods might have bacteria and other germs that might be harmful to your body. It is best to only eat foods that are fresh and thoroughly cooked.
Foods High In Mercury
Mercury can affect your healthy and fertility and make it difficult to get pregnant. Mercury is usually found in certain seafood and enters our body when we eat it. Some examples of high-mercury fish are sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, etc.
Ensure you go for fish varieties with low mercury, like catfish, pollock, salmon, shrimp, etc.
Soy Products
Soy products can disrupt your hormone levels and affect your embryo implantation rate. It can also affect the development of your baby. So, avoid soy products like soy milk, soy powder, soy meat, etc., during IVF treatments.
Conclusion
The diet you follow after embryo transfer is a crucial part of your IVF journey. These foods are the ones that give you energy and help you sustain pregnancy andgive birth to a child.
So, ensure you include healthy foods in your post-embryo transfer diet. If you have doubts regarding what you can eat after embryo transfer, discuss it with your fertility doctor immediately.
Here are some good food choices you can include in your diet after embryo transfer.
- Protein-rich foods
- Healthy fruits and vegetables
- Foods rich in healthy fats
- Foods rich in complex carbohydrates
Here are some fruits you should avoid after embryo transfer.
- Papaya
- Dates
- Mangoes
- Lemons
- Kiwi
Yes, you can eat curd after embryo transfer. It is rich in calcium and helps with your body’s overall health.
Though your particular diet does not affect embryo implantation that much, it is necessary to follow a proper healthy diet to ensure no complications arise after embryo transfer.
Certain unhealthy foods can affect your IVF success rate and even cause IVF failure.
