First round of IVF-What to eat?!

[Refocus]

I'm so excited and can't believe it's finally going to start... My first round of IVF starts next week (providing meds arrive Saturday). Any advice on what I should eat to give myself the best chance is much appreciated! Can I have a few glasses of wine over the next few weeks? Can I exercise as much as usual (I have a tennis match Tuesday, day two of injections). Are these ridiculous questions?!! Xxx

[Hidden]

Best of Luck!

I personally wouldn't drink any alcohol or caffeine it interferes with meds/hormones.

Xxx

[Busybee88]

I echo EB2001. Eat whatever will make you feel good about yourself (hopefully that’s a fairly balanced / healthy diet, but sometimes we just need chocolate!) but ideally cut out alcohol and limit your caffeine.

In terms of exercise, it’s the same again really, keep doing what you feel happy doing. This advice will continue if you get a positive with the instruction to just avoid anything too strenuous but to continue what you already do.

In my opinion, if you feel good in yourself then that’s what matters most than stressing about the fact you had a burger 😂. Good luck! x

[Smang]

Your questions are far from ridiculous, most of us have asked them. The way I see it treat the 2ww as you’re already pregnant. I eased up on my exercise, just ate well and focused on remaining calm and relaxed. Stick to your regular routine as much as possible. Best of luck xx

[PearlyDuck]

My naturopath suggested upping your protein levels as your body will be producing so many more eggs than usual and protein is the building blocks. So I tried to eat some protein at every meal, and I also drank LOADS of water (3L a day) as by the end of the process you can feel a bit rubbish and this really helps. Lifestyle wise they advise you to avoid caffeine and alcohol and take it easy on the exercise, you just need to be kind to your body and take it a bit easier than usual. Good luck!! xx

[Refocus in reply to PearlyDuck]

I try to stick to a vegan diet so might have to ditch that to make sure I get enough protein. Thank you for the advice! X

[Lilli79 in reply to Refocus]

I was vegan before ivf and it didn't harm it (I actually think it massively helped). You shouldn't need to get any extra protein than normal, just enough for your body weight (about 0.85g per kg of body weight). I am currently 30 weeks pregnant with twins, and I did begin to eat fish at about week 12 (more cravings than anything else!!). Can't have done me any harm as one twin is measuring 2 weeks ahead! xx

[Refocus in reply to Lilli79]

Huge congratulations! I feel like I eat well and get everything I need, so maybe I shouldn't look to change anything. Just need to cut down on my cups of tea... I drink green, white and black but I think they all pretty much have as much caffeine as each other.

[Lilli79 in reply to Refocus]

Yeah, to be honest the diet thing is really hard because you get so much conflicting advice. I do know that it's a definite must not to drastically change anything in the lead up to ivf, so I'd say if you're vegan just stick with it. Just make sure you are getting good protein sources, like beans, nuts, soya etc. I don't drink nut milks as there is zero protein but I do drink soya and eat things like soya mince etc. but try to limit them. I track my protein & usually always exceed my daily amount. I switched from normal tea to naturally caffeine free teas like rooibus, peppermint, ginger etc but really I mostly drink water. I have been a little slack on veganism lately but don't ever eat meat and strictly limit dairy. I think it's helped the pregnancy also - my diabetes check came back all clear (really surprised as I've been a chocolate monster!!), my blood pressure is exceptional according to midwife, and I have not once been constipated (thankfully very regular). It could be coincidence as I've never been this pregnant before so nothing to compare it to!! Good luck with everything, it's an exciting time xxx

[Leannefb]

I'm so glad you asked this question as I start my first round soon and was wondering too about diet and exercise as I have 3 horses to take care of and ride although consultant said at last appointment for me to carry on as normal it's good to hear it from ladies who have experience xx good luck with your journey xx

[Refocus in reply to Leannefb]

Good luck to you too!! Fingers and toes crossed for us both. Tennis these days isn't my usual routine so I think I'll duck out of the match, as I'll only feel anxious and worry that I shouldn't. X