Starting IVF

[HannahJas]

Hi guys, start our first round of IVF on Thursday when I pick up my first lot of injections. Have tried doing lots of research about nutrition etc and just want a bit of advice, have read about Brazil nuts, pineapple cores, avocados, coconut water helping but not sure when to have them, are there things I should be eating at a certain time in our cycle or just try and get all these things in now?? Any advice/tips are greatly appreciated.

[Jhenderson]

Wow good luck. I start injections on Wednesday. We should keep in touch and let each know how we are getting on! Xx

[HannahJas in reply to Jhenderson]

Hi, yes that would be great to have someone else going through it at the same time, am doing the long protocal x

[Lynnr54]

I’ve not heard of avocados or coconut water so can’t help with those but I can tell you what I have heard/done.

From the day if starting stims up to 5 days afyer transfer Pom juice (pomegranate) is meant to help as it thickens the lining and is a source of antioxidants. Beetroot is also supposed to help thicken the lining. The day of transfer and following 4-5 days eat a slice of pineapple (must keep core in, so none of the prepackaged stuff) and 4-5 Brazil nuts. Can’t remember why Brazil nuts but the bromelian is supposed to help with implantation. I also ate a handful of blueberries and had either Matcha or Tumeric latte as I read these are also a good source of antioxidants.

Having said all that I asked both my clinic and my accupuncturist and they both said there isn’t any real evidence any of this stuff works or all clinics would be recommending it. My view was that even if there’s a chance it helps then to go for it. After all, it can’t hurt.

[Hidden]

Brazil nuts or pineapple core from transfer to aid implantation. I chose Brazil nuts as I eat them as part of my diet anyway so it wasn't a chore. I find cutting and eating pineapple a chore!! I think it's the selenium in the Brazil nuts that is good for you but too much can be bad so it's only recommended that you have 4/5 a day, just in general, nothing to do with IVF. I also drank beet juice after transfer (pom juice has been used too). If you like Avocados you can just eat them as part of your diet as they contain essential omega 3 oils which is good for you. They're good to eat in pregnancy so there would be no harm in eating them from transfer. Once I had ET I just ate as if i were already pregnant, so I just made sure I ate well most of the time. Xx

[Hidden]

Try not to worry too much about what you are eating - as long as you have a balanced, varied and colourful diet.

There are smidgens of evidence about pomegranate, pineapple and Brazil nuts but honestly I would say trying to not stress about anything is the best thing to do.

Good luck xxx

[Hidden]

I just ate as healthily as I could - as did my other half. We both almost totally cut drinking out and took pre-conception vitamins - Wellman do ones for men. I did have a slice of pineapple every day in the 2 week wait.

Other than that I did acupuncture, bought fertility crystals and used a hypnosis CD for IVF every day (IVF companion) - I also bought orange Knickers and had McDonalds fries after transfer (google both these, hehe).

I felt all these things put me in a positive frame of mind, if nothing else, and made me feel like I was being proactive - as you can feel like so much of it is out of your control. I am now 20 weeks pregnant, our first round worked! Best of luck with everything xx

[Mrsp1977]

Hi i’m three weeks in and currently injecting stims and have progress scan tomorrow. EC is scheduled next week. Personally i was overwhelmed with all the suggestions as read lots and watched loads of Ivf you tube stories.

I’ve cut out caffeine and alcohol, drinking pomegranate juice, additional nuts and seeds to snack on and bee pollen sprinkled on breakfast daily. I’m also having acupuncture weekly. The subtle changes i’ve made make me feel I’m doing my bit .

The list is endless but I honestly think of you maintain a healthy diet, drink lots of water and do a few things that make you happy you’re well on your way 😊

[Daury]

Hey HanaahJas Good luck for your IVF journey. Be positive and hopeful. Spend your life like routine. Now need to take stress. Have balance diet and dont be worried too much. Sending you baby dust. May you have best experience. Good luck

[js7479570]

Hey Hannah! Hope so you are doing good. I just read your post. I think everything in excess could cause issues. So it's better to have these in sometimes when you like to eat. Water intake is necessary and this should be increased. You should also consult with your doctor regarding this. Have a good day.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Hannahjas. I’ll send you my list too when I’m in the office tomorrow. Diane

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi. As promised this is my list of things that are good to eat. Carbohydrates - Wholegrain bread and wholemeal pasta, oatmeal, brown rice. All fresh vegetables especially raw or steamed. Over boiling rids them of vitamins and minerals, pineapple juice, apricots, potatoes, all fruit and honey, beans, chickpeas and lentils. Protein - Organic meat if possible, poultry, fish, Milk and hard cheese, nuts and seeds. Fat - Extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil, avocado and peanut butter, mackerel, sardines, nuts (especially Brazil and walnuts), seeds, sweet corn and sweet potatoes. The things to avoid are too much sugar, processed foods, ready meals, butter, ice cream etc. A little is OK, but not all the time. Drink plenty of water and only a little tea and coffee if feeling deprived. Cut right down or right out – alcohol and smoking. Oh and don’t forget the Folic Acid and Vitamin D! Hope this helps. Diane

[Hidden]

Great article! X

[andylins]

Hello, honey! May the begining of your journey be smooth and effective. A healthy diet important by all means. Make sure to keep regular and avoid constipation. This is especially key after ET. I had a lot of pain and bloating after ER. Eating high-electrolyte things like bananas and drinking Gatorade helped me much. Lastly, it's best to avoid cold foods and drinks. So I avoided ice water, cold milk, let fruit come to room temp, etc. I asked my nurse the same thing about foods that'll boost my chances. She mentioned some things I had read on the Internet. Pineapple core, brazil nuts, Pom juice, etc. All meat and any other fruits/veggies, dairy were on the 'good' list. She said there's no solid proof these work for everyone. If embryos are meant to implant they will anyway. Those things done to get the whole organizm nice working. Wish you all the best with your cycle, honey! Be blessed xx

[HannahJas]

Thank you guys for all your comments, sorry I've just got round to replying, am now in the 2nd week of injections, going back on 22nd for the next stage. Have been putting these foods into smoothies so I know I'm getting what I should! Thanks again xxx