Acumpuncture & first cycle prep

[Barbara101]

Hi Ladies,

I think I may be going a bit OTT so do let me have your honest perspective...if I’ve missed any hot tip please let me know

Have my first IVF consultation at the end of May and hope to start my first cycle in June. Really nervous and excited. I’ve been reading loads - constantly on google and YouTube L

This is my list of prep so far:

1. Eating balanced & healthy ( have the beetroot juice 🥤 the bee pollen, the Brazil nuts and cocunut water) ** need to get some pineapple 🍍

2. Booked my first accumpucture session ( really super nervous about this one - does it hurt at all??! Am not sure how it can be relaxing....)

3. Trying to excercise more...(of sorts)

4.Downloaded the IVF mindfulness app.

Other than praying (and chill out about it) am not really sure what else I can do.

Any general advice gratefully received, B xx

[DianeArnold]

Hi Barbara101. Oh bless you, you seem to have done some good homework. Hope the acupuncture helps you to relax. If you want, I have a list of questions I could email you in confidence. Lots won't be appropriate, but there may be a few you would like to ask when you are next seen. You can email me at [e-mail] if you want them. meanwhile I hope all goes well for you. Diane

[Barbara101 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane, that’s really helpful and kind. I will ping you an email now xx

[TinklyWinky]

Hi Barbara,

I don’t think there is such a thing as going OTT. You want to give it your best shot so you have no regrets :-). If you are an older would-be mum you can also try:

UBiquinol (CoQ10) which is an antioxidant that is produced naturally by the body, but it is also available as a nutritional supplement. It is present in the membrane of almost every cell in the body and is required for mitochondrial ATP synthesis, which is responsible for creating cellular energy. UBiquinol is more bioavailable than CoQ10...the body can absorb is more easily, but they are essentially the same thing. CoQ10 reduces in the body with age.

I also added an Omega 3 vitamin in addition to my pregnancy vitamin. And I discovered I was low on iron so I take liquid iron (Floradix). Iron absorption is blocked by milk/tea/coffee so having it several hours before cereal is best. Many multi-fits combine iron and calcium which reduces absorption. Having vit C with iron helps (e.g. orange juice).

I read that upping your protein intake is good (the body needs this to grow and I think from an evolutionary perspective there would be advantages as it suggests the person is readily able to hunt/get enough nutrition :-). Wholewheat peanut butter, handfuls of Brazil nuts as morning/afternoon snacks, chicken, seeds added to cereal/salads, lentils (you can get frozen ones with Tahini paste and veg from Aldi or freeze up batches yourself) are all good.

Cut out tea and coffee. I was taking decaf tea til I started my injections but decided to cut it out altogether.

Pukka teas does a Motherkind pregnancy tea...which is supposed to be good when ttc and pregnant which is nice. Peppermint, chamomile etc are good...and lots of water.

I did take progesterone (DHEA) for a bit but there are various opinions on whether this is good for older would-be mums so I stopped.

Sleep is also important 7-8 hour’s is ideal....although there is a study that shows too much 9-10hours+ is a bad thing. Cells grow when we’re asleep.

Acupuncture doesn’t hurt. I’ve been having it. The lady also applied Moxa in a patch that sticks to your skin near your kidneys and gently warms them up. No idea if it does anything but Dr Google says it’s not harmful. Acupuncturists say you shouldn’t Let your feet get cold either (lol).

I’ve Ec this Monday and have 7 follicles - 6 at a good size. I have an AMH of 3 so I’m really pleased. I’ve no idea if any of the extras have worked, but you know what, I’ve done my best. Whatever happens, i’ve done All I can and will need to be at peace with it all.

Good luck Barbara. H

[Barbara101]

Thank you! That’s really helpful - I take the pregnacare conception vitamins so will check about Coq10 & Omega 3 (am 37, which apparently is ’old’ in baby making terms - I mean really!!! I think its all just a bit rude 😋

It’s good to hear am not going a bit mad - just want to give it my best shot.

Good luck with egg collection ( I am still getting used to all the terminology) - all sounds really positive, will keep everything crossed for you. Do let me know how you get on and thanks again, B xx

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

I love acupuncture. The relaxation and positive effects outweigh the pinpricks of hurt x