Ten do’s and don’ts during IVF treatment

By Dr Shobha Gupta

When a couple chooses IVF for conception, it affects both the partners physically and emotionally. While the chance of conceiving during the first cycle of treatment highly depends on the reproductive health and other psychological factors, there are a few things that you can do to improve your chances of conceiving.

1. Prepare yourself for IVF: Note the date when your period starts, the number of days it lasts, and anything else regarding your menstrual cycle (at least for three months before starting the treatment). This can help your doctor chart your treatment. It could prove to be helpful if you experience any problems in conceiving. It can also be valuable in pinpointing the date of conception–and consequently your due date.
2. Avoid Stress: Try not to stress and be positive. 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.
3. 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.
4. Eat right: 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. Continue eating a well balanced diet.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..
5. Stay hydrated always: 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.
6. Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, can reduce a woman's chance of conceiving by more than 50%, so why take a chance.
7. 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.
8. Pamper yourself completely: It’s important to balance the stressful experience of IVF with pleasurable activities that promote relaxation and wellness.
9. Communication with your doctor is essential: Maintain proper communication with your IVF consultant/doctor as then your IVF treatment will be much easier. Do not hesitate to communicate with her/him.
10. Plan B ready: Last but not the least always has a plan B ready, 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.