Are you preparing for embryo transfer? Are you confused about what you should do and worried you might do something that can affect IVF success rates? Then, this article is for you.
In this article, you will learn some important tips you can follow to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. Read till the end and ensure you follow it before embryo transfer.
What To Do Before Embryo Transfer To Increase Success Rate?
Follow A Healthy Diet
Focus on eating a healthy, nutritious diet before your embryo transfer. Include lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other foods that can improve your health and fertility.
The food you eat before embryo transfer gives you the strength and energy you need during embryo transfer. It is also necessary to avoid foods that can negatively impact embryo implantation and cause complications.
Below are some foods you can consume before embryo transfer.
- Warm soups
- Lemon water
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Lean proteins like chicken breast, fish, etc.
- Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, etc.
- Legumes like lentils, beans, chickpeas, etc.
- Healthy fats like walnuts, almonds, seeds, avocado, olive oil, etc.
Below are some foods you should definitely avoid before embryo transfer.
- Sugary foods
- Cold beverages like sodas and smoothies
- Red meat
- Processed, fried, or junk foods
- Salty foods
- Caffeinated drinks
- Alcohol
Do Regular Exercises
Whether it is before, during, or after embryo transfer, it is always best to keep yourself active and engage in moderate exercises. Regular exercise can improve blood circulation and reduce stress. It can also help you maintain a healthy BMI.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercises at least 4 days a week. You can do exercises like walking, yoga, swimming, zumba, aerobics, etc. You can also consult your doctor or fitness coach to design a customized exercise plan for you.
Note: Ensure that you only do low or moderate-intensity exercises. Do not engage in high-intensity workouts. This can cause the opposite effect of what you wanted.
Get Adequate Sleep
Adequate sleep is necessary to ensure a healthy metabolism and bodily functions. According to studies, women getting less sleep have a 15% lesser chance of IVF success than those getting adequate sleep.
Ensure you aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep every day. If you have trouble falling asleep, consult your doctor and get some medications to induce sleep. Don’t buy sleep medications at the medical store by yourself. It can have components that can affect IVF success rate.
Drink Lots Of Water
Hydration is key for a healthy body and hormonal functions. Ensure you drink lots of water throughout the day and stay hydrated (aim for at least 2 litres of water per day). You can also drink other liquids, like fruit juices, milk, etc., to stay fresh and hydrated.
Manage Stress
Stress is one of the most important factors affecting your fertility and IVF success. Stress can negatively affect your hormonal balance and decrease your chances of healthy implantation and pregnancy.
Stay calm and practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, mindfulness, etc. You can also engage in activities that you like (reading, gardening, painting, etc.) to relieve stress.
Avoid Exposure To Harmful Chemicals (EDCs)
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are harmful chemicals that can affect your hormonal and reproductive health. This can severely affect your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Some harmful EDCs include parabens, formaldehyde, triclosan, benzophenone, and dioxins. These chemicals can be found in day-to-day products like shampoos and fertilizers. So, ensure you only use products that are free of these chemicals.
Take The Prescribed Supplements On Time
Your fertility doctor will prescribe certain medications for you to prepare your uterus and improve implantation rates. These supplements include folic acid, Vitamin D, antioxidants, etc. Ensure you take all those medications on time.
Also, don’t consume any medications you buy over the counter at a medical store for issues like cough, cold, etc. Always consult your doctor if you have any issues that need medication.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Your fertility doctor will analyze your fertility condition and recommend some things you can and cannot do during the treatment. Remember that these things are to increase your chances of having a successful pregnancy.
Ensure you follow your doctor’s instructions and don’t do anything they advise against. And remember to adhere to follow-up appointments, schedules, and other guidelines they provide.
Conclusion
The above points discussed are some of the most important measures you need to take before an embryo transfer. Remember, embryo transfer is the most important step of your IVF treatment.
So, it is essential for you to do everything you can to ensure a higher success rate. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult your fertility doctor immediately.
Below are some foods you should definitely avoid before embryo transfer.
- Sugary foods
- Cold beverages like sodas and smoothies
- Red meat
- Processed, fried, or junk foods
- Salty foods
- Caffeinated drinks
- Alcohol
Adequate sleep is necessary to ensure a healthy metabolism and bodily functions. According to studies, women getting less sleep have a 15% lesser chance of IVF success than those getting adequate sleep. Ensure you aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep every day.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are harmful chemicals that can affect your hormonal and reproductive health. Some harmful EDCs include parabens, formaldehyde, triclosan, benzophenone, and dioxins. These chemicals can be found in day to day products like shampoos and fertilizers.
