So, you have got all your IVF schedules completed, the embryo transfer is done, and now you are waiting for the doctor to confirm that you are pregnant. Great! But if you are here that means, you are still unsure what to eat and what not to get the best out of this procedure and help your baby grow healthy. Do not worry. We have curated all the nutrition and diet after embryo transfer IVF.
What to eat post-IVF treatment?
In simple words, after IVF, eat like you are already pregnant. Research suggests that a Mediterranean diet help improve the IVF success rate among women under 35 years old and not overweight.
Some easy ways to revamp your nutrition with the Mediterranean diet includes:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Lean proteins, like fish and poultry.
- Whole grains, like quinoa, farro, and whole-grain pasta.
- Legumes, including beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
- Low-fat dairy products.
- Healthy fats, such as avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
- Red meat, sugar, refined grains, and other highly processed foods.
- Cut out salt. Choose flavored food with herbs and spices instead.
Why diet matters during IVF treatment?
A healthy diet plays a vital role in improving your health, pregnancy experience, and general wellness. Poor eating puts you at risk of developing various health issues, some of which may impact your fertility. Therefore, our fertility team strictly asks patients to follow a healthy diet plan accompanied by regular exercise and yoga to handle stress and anxiety.
What to avoid during IVF pregnancy?
While undergoing IVF cycles and post-IVF, there are a few foods and beverages to avoid which can put your pregnancy at risk, such as:
- Alcohol
- Soda
- Junk food
- Processed and packed food
- Processed meat
- Soft cheese
- Fish with high mercury content (tuna, mackerel, and sea bass)
What Vitamins To Include In IVF Pregnancy Diet?
Although your doctor may not specifically list down the food items you should choose during IVF treatment and pregnancy, it is important to discuss your health concerns with them. At Endoworld hospital, we recommend women to consume food that are:
Rich in zinc:
Zinc helps in balancing the hormone level. Therefore, meet the daily requirement of zinc which is 15 mg. You can also eat zinc supplements, but experts suggest consuming zinc in natural ways for effective results. Add more grains, nuts, eggs, dairy products, meat items, and potatoes, as they are rich in zinc.
Rich in folic acid:
Folic acid with parental vitamins helps in the healthy development of a child’s brain and spinal cord. Most birth defects occur in the first 3-4 weeks of pregnancy due to a lack of nutrients in the body that are required for the development of a child. So, consume more folic acid products to ensure proper brain and spinal cord development. On a daily basis, a pregnant woman and women planning to get pregnant should consume:
- 400 mcg while planning and trying to conceive
- 400 mcg during the first 3 months of pregnancy
- 600mcg during the 4th-9th month of pregnancy
Iron-rich food:
Add iron-rich foods to your diets such as pumpkin seeds, oysters, and spinach. For vegetarian people, you can add iron supplements to your diet but after consulting your doctor.
Healthy fat and protein:
It is necessary to include 60 grams of protein in your diet daily such as eggs, meat, and dairy products. Also, consuming fats from walnuts, olive oil, corn, chia seeds, and flaxseed oil are healthy fatty acid and are unsaturated fats which are recommended to pregnant women because these help in the formation of healthy eggs in your body. These fats will work as energy storage in your body and ensure successful IVF pregnancy.
Looking for an expert IVF specialist? Get in touch with our team of expert IVF doctors at Endoworld hospital.
