10 dos and don’ts during IVF treatment

These little things can help you improve the chances of conception through IVF.

By: Debjani Arora | | Updated: March 8, 2016 6:06 pm

When a couple chooses IVF for conception, it affects both the partners physically and emotionally. While the chances 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. Here are 10 such things Dr Shobha Gupta, Medical Director and IVF Specialist from Mother s Lap IVF Centre, Delhi lists out. Also Read - The 8 best sex positions to conceive a baby

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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. Here are five other ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Also Read - Pregnancy tips: Swimming is a good exercise for moms-to-be

2. Avoid stress: You may not be able to manage all kinds of stress. But to begin with, don t try to make any major changes to your life during the treatment, like moving to a new house, starting a new job or switching careers, etc. You don t need added stress at this moment. High stress is known to affect fertility in both men and women and compromise the outcome of IVF treatment. Here are nine ways in which you can reduce stress during the nine months of your pregnancy.

3. Try acupuncture: Only if you know a reputed and trustworthy centre or you are referred by your doctor to do so, try it. Acupuncture is known to be beneficial for some women who undergo IVF process, when performed within one day of embryo transfer. It helps in implantation and aids the process of conception.

4. Eat right always: Before you start a fertility treatment, bring about healthy changes in your diet and eat foods that can boost your chances of conception. Nutritious foods are vital for producing healthy eggs and promoting implantation of the embryo. Eat a well-balanced diet. Your diet should consist of four to six small meals each day, and each should consist of some complex carbohydrate (such as brown rice or quinoa) interspersed with fresh fruits and vegetables. Complex carbs are important for your body during conception as it provides the cell with required energy and promotes well-being of your reproductive organs. If you are wondering which foods to eat, here is a list of foods that can help you boost chances of conception.

4. Drink lots fluids: This is not just to flush out the toxins from your body but to help deal with some side-effects of IVF treatment. Some women suffer from OHSS (Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome) due to the medications injected during IVF. This leads to painful, swollen ovaries. Drinking three to five litres of water can prevent OHSS. Here are eight health beverages that every pregnant woman should drink.

5. Avoid consuming alcohol: While it is highly debated whether an occasional drink affects fertility or even the baby after conception, but regular alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, can reduce a woman’s chance of conceiving by more than 50 percent. Why take a chance!

6. Avoid caffeine in any form: Having five cups or more coffee per day doubles your chances of a miscarriage. The same happens if you take caffeine from other sources like colas, aerated fruit juices and sports drinks.

8. Pamper yourself: It s important to balance the stressful experience of IVF with pleasurable activities that promote relaxation and wellness. Read a book, talk to your partner, indulge in a hobby or just take a stroll in a garden. Anything that helps you to take your mind off the emotional rollercoaster ride you are going through.

9. Communicate with your doctor: At any given time don t hesitate to call your doctor if you feel any problems or discomforts bothering you. Also, address your fears and concerns with the doctor.

10. Keep plan B ready: Last but not the least always have a plan B ready, in case your IVF doesn t succeed, you should not lose hope and can go for an egg donor or another IVF cycle after consulting your IVF specialist.

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Published : January 29, 2016 12:51 am | Updated:March 8, 2016 6:06 pm

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