Are you planning your baby..?

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Thousands of babies have been born through IVF since 1978 when the first IVF was born. So here are certain tips that one has to follow if you are planning your baby through IVF as it is the most special moment in one’s life. 

1. 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.
2. For Men - Check your semen before beginning an IVF cycle, to determine its quality and whether there is an infection present, among other potential issues.
3. Maintain proper communication with your IVF consultant/doctor as then your IVF treatment will be much easier.
4. A few months before your IVF, begin eating a fertility diet. Getting nutritious foods is vital for producing healthy eggs and promoting implantation of the embryo.
5. Intake of CoQ10 helps to keep the eggs integrity by protecting them from free radicals. It is best taken for two to three months before having IVF.
6. Try not to stress and be positive. As High stress levels are known to reduce fertility in both men and women and compromise the outcome of an IVF cycle.
7. In case of OHSS, drink lots of fluids. Drink Pedialyte instead of Gatorade. Drinking 3-5 liters of water per day can prevent OHSS in some cases.
8. Continue eating a well balanced diet.
9. 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.
10. Alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, can reduce a woman's chance of conceiving by more than 50%.
11. 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.
12. Note the date when your period starts, the number of days it lasts, and anything else your doctor might want to know about. This information could prove helpful if you experience problems in conceiving. It can also prove invaluable in pinpointing the date of conception--and consequently your due date.
13. It’s important to balance the stressful experience of IVF with pleasurable activities that promote relaxation and wellness.