Diet advice for ivf stimulation

[2018hopeful]

Hi ladies, started stimulation injections yesterday, any advice on what I should be eating or drinking at this time. I've had a look on good old "Google" but I'm just more confused, thanks x

[Shil11]

I tried everything they recommended on Google the only thing that actually helped a little was the coconut water to reduce the bloating caused by the IVF injections... it doesn’t reduce the bloating but definitely makes it feel better!!

[Buisquits]

I have just eaten healthy, lots of veg and fruit, before and after transfer I had pineapple, mainly because I like it, cranberry juice, prunes, dried figs and preconception vitamins. Worked for me

[2018hopeful in reply to Buisquits]

Thanks ladies, some people have said to have lots of protein to lower risk of hyperstimulation, did you do this x

[Buisquits in reply to 2018hopeful]

Never heard of it, but then as it was our first time we just went with what the doctors said.

Good luck x

[Lilli79 in reply to 2018hopeful]

Hi 2018hopeful thats a weird one, you'd think too much protein could cause ohss as it generates cell growth but perhaps I'm thinking of that too literally. I wouldn't do protein shakes unless you think you are deficient. Too much protein can harm the process and your body. I would second just eating well, loads of fruit & veg, take the conception vitamins, drink loads of water and cut down (or cut out) caffeine and alcohol. Not sure where you are in your ivf cycle but I wouldn't be changing too much in your diet if you're already in the cycle, especially not with the protein element xx

[2018hopeful in reply to Lilli79]

Hi, we are on our first cycle - they plan to do icsi. Had 16 days of suprecur down regulating injections, and started bemfola stimulating injections on Friday. Have a scan booked next Friday 3rd and Monday 6th to check how follicles are doing. I'm on caffeine free coffee / coke, and don't drink alcohol. My diet could be better so am only going to eat good things now. I have had a banging headache all day! Trying to drink plenty x

[Lilli79 in reply to 2018hopeful]

That's good to hear - it's always good to make healthier choices no matter what stage. If you can drink a naturally decaffeinated coffee like azeera (but there a few other brands). I don't drink soft drinks at all, only water - I think water is the only cure for headache (they are quite common in the first trimester also) . I think it's also best to avoid painkillers if you can. These are only things I've done, other people may have different advice. Good luck with your cycle xxx

[2018hopeful in reply to Lilli79]

Thank you for the advice. Yes I've got decaff coffee, don't like plain water so have sugar free squash. Drinking raspberry and cranberry tea at moment- naturally decaff. Gonna do a food shop tomoro to stock up on more healthy food. Haven't took any paracetamol today, don't feel like they do much anyway. Hope your and your journey is going well x

[Mrsplant in reply to 2018hopeful]

I did a protein diet b4 and though my IVF i still OHSS xx

[Becca21]

I was on normal healthy diet throughout... though not sure if it counts as I'm still hoping for a success. What my clinic emphasised more was a minimum of 30 minutes not-so-rigorous exercise, with a morning or evening jog till the progesterone for FET starts. Oh and lot's of fluids (not pumping-up water intake though) from extraction to FET.