How to prepare for IVF? Foods to eat?

[21bat]

I just wanted to know if there is anything natural I can do to help with IVF? Any foods I should be eating in particular?

I know that I need to drink lots of water and take pre-natal vitamins...I've been doing that, but I should be doing more I think. Relaxing is probably a big one, but that's easier said than done

I read on this forum that you should eat pineapple 5-7days after ET because there's some enzyme that helps with implantation. Whether it's true or not, it is worth a try

[melinda:)]

i was not really told anything but i did do the pinapple!!!!!melinda

[21bat]

Melinda, you did the pineapple? And you're pregnant! CONGRATS Maybe it'll work for me! I'll definitely try it!

Was this your first IVF?
How was the process for you in general? Did the shots hurt? Did you get moody? Did you find any special ways to relax during and after ET?

I am starting my injectins 1/9. I just got my Lupron delivered today - so many needles! YIKES! I am such a baby when it comes to pain...hopefully it won't be so bad.

[TammyS]

I asked my doc at the Cleveland Clinic...he said try to eat lower carbs. But mainly a balanced diet...everything in moderation.

[tinaO]

21bat - You will be fine! Don't worry about the needles! I hated them before IVF and was so freaked out as I have a low tolerance for pain, but you get used to it! Trust me! I am on the intramuscular shots (of progesterone) right now and have to stay on them for another 5 weeks. I now feel like I can handle any shots! The only time the shots getting really bad is right before ER. You are just tired of them all, feeling so bloated, and as for me - I was just ready to get the show on the road! Other than that, I didn't get any mood swings...a little grouchy as my ovaries started to swell and I felt so bloated, but other than that - I did fine with the meds! Oh - and ER is a breeze! I was so scared of it that I totally freaked myself out, but it was really nothing! And trust me - I am a wimp!

As for what to eat, I pretty much are like I normally do (which is pretty healthy), contined to have a cup of coffee in the morning, exercised regularly, and continued to drink an occassional glass or two of wine up until I did the ET. Yes, I did eat pineapple a couple of times, but not much of it. I also did 5 sessions of accupuncture before ER, after ER, and after ET. The most important advice I can give you is try to relax, take long walks, and think positive!!! The less you stress and just take it easy, I think the better everyone's chances! And yes - definitely take your prenatal vitamins. Most of all - good luck! I got pregnant on my first try, so you can also!

[KatieG]

woo-hoo im gonna try pineapple. although im not sure its in season. ET is still a ways away so hopefully ill remember.

[21bat]

Thanks Tina!!
Your post really calmed me down and cheered me up! Not sure which part exactly...probably all of it

[Cocoa]

I ate pineapple for weeks prior to my ET and then for 5 days after. I also took L-arginine for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after ET - an essential amino acid which is recommended for fertility. I'm having B/G twins!!!

Good luck...

xxxCocoa

[Anie]

Hi.

Just few more information: http://www.marilynglenville.com/foundat ... health.htm

The Hormone-balancing Diet

Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Eat complex carbohydrates - wholegrains like brown rice, oats, wholemeal bread
Buy organic foods where possible
Eat phytoestrogens, including beans such as lentils, chickpeas and Soya products
Eat oily foods, including fish, nuts, seeds and oils
Reduce your intake of saturated fat from dairy products, etc.
Drink enough fluids
Increase your intake of fibre
Avoid additives, preservatives and chemicals such as artificial sweeteners
Reduce your intake of caffeine
Reduce alcohol
Avoid sugar on its own and hidden in foods

Good Luck
Anie

[waitingforMia]

Is canned pineapple ok? And how much did ya'll eat?

[hopin4ababy]

I too am doing the pineapple thing, but I am drinking the juice. I haven't thought about eating the fruit but always a good idea! I also am drinking a glass of grapefruit juice a day! I heard it can help thicken the CM and therefore helps with implantation too. Has anyone else heard this?

[LostGirl]

I think it's important to eat healthy for sure. So I ate a lot of veggies, ate a lot of fruit, and limited corn syrup, which if you read labels is in everything. I upped the amount of yogurt I ate.

As for exercise, I used to be a triathlete. So back then, I was a nut, working out 12 times a week. Yes that means double workouts 6 days a week. I started to cut back over the last 18 months, and got down to 6 workouts a week, with lots of swimming. I try to exercise during the Lupron phase, but once I got to the fertility meds, I slept a lot. A nap after work then off to bed at 9pm.
During my two week wait, I did nothing but chill, and sleep. I only walked for exercise twice and that was just a mile.

Now i'm pregnant... and started walking more.