Some Do’s and Don’ts during IVF treatment

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

In Vitreo fertilization (IVF) is a blessing for infertile couples and indeed IVF trend has picked up in India from quite a while now.  When a couple chooses IVF for conception, it affects both the partners physically and emotionally.  There are a few things that you need to keep in mind to improve your chances of conception. 

1. First of all de-stress yourself; be calm and composed think positive.  Also avoid making major life changes such as moving to a new house or starting a new job the same time you’re going through the IVF process. As High stress levels are known to reduce fertility in both men and women and compromise the outcome of an IVF cycle. 

2. Take good care of yourself; It’s very hard to combine your job with an IVF treatment. Don’t stop living. Don’t put everything on hold for your big dream. The impact will be massive. 

3. Eat good amount of nutrients; before your IVF begin start eating fertility diet. Getting nutritious foods is vital for producing healthy eggs and promoting implantation of the embryo. Your diet should consist of 4-6 small meals each day and each should consist of some complex carbohydrate (such as brown rice or quinoa) interspread with fresh fruits and vegetables. For a fertility diet read here. 

4. Drink lots of fluids; Some women during IVF process suffer from OHSS (Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome) so drink lots of fluids during this time. Drinking 3-5 liters of water per day can prevent OHSS in some cases. 

5. Stop consuming alcohol; Alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, can reduce a woman's chance of conceiving by more than 50%, so why take a chance. 

6. Communication

is the key;. Maintain proper communication with your doctor and as well as your partner too as it will help in making your IVF treatment smooth and easier. Do not hesitate to communicate with your IVF specialist. Share your thoughts, your ups and downs during this period with your partner too.

7. Try Acupuncture; Acupuncture may be beneficial to women who are undergoing the IVF process when performed within one day of the embryo transfer as it helps in implantation and aids the process of conception. 

8. Avoid caffeine in any form; Having Five cups of coffee per day more than doubles a pregnant woman’s risk of a miscarriage, according to perhaps the most rigorous study yet to focus on the possible link between caffeine and miscarriage. 

9. Last but not the least; in case God forbid your IVF doesn’t succeed then you should not lose hope and can go for egg donor or for another IVF after consulting your IVF specialist.