The Do’s and Dont’s of IVF- Advice Needed

[SL1976]

Hi everyone

Looking for advice. Just about to start IVF after a bit of a false start a few months ago. What are do’s and dont’s? For example, diet, exercise. So much info out there, I don’t know where to start. Any advice would be appreciated. X

[Kitcat12]

First of all, best of luck for your upcoming cycle. It's an intense process but try not to let it overwhelm you. I have had a fresh cycle where I was strict with my diet and exercise, really looked after myself and did everything by the book, it worked but sadly I had a miscarriage. Then I had a FET where I was much more laid back, ate what I wanted and even had a few glasses of wine a few days before transfer and I'm currently 21 weeks with a little boy. I honestly think a lot of it is down to pure luck! Best advice I can give you is to try to relax and stay as stress free and calm as possible! Good luck x

[SL1976 in reply to Kitcat12]

Thank you so much for replying. Fab news for you. What sort of things did you do the first time? x

[Kcrochet]

Personally I don’t think there’s a huge amount we can do or not do to influence the outcome - just be sensible and kind to yourself. So things like avoiding alcohol and getting plenty of sleep, but do a little of what you fancy if it keeps you happy/sane (!) Good luck, really hope it works out for you xx

[SL1976 in reply to Kcrochet]

Thank you for replying. Lots of info out there so difficult to know what to do x

[Kcrochet in reply to SL1976]

I don’t think there’s any harm in the things people say to do or avoid, just don’t feel like you have to and get stressed about it. I went for the pineapple and pomegranate juice during the 2ww mostly because they’re tasty and I wanted to be able to do something proactive... highly doubt they made any difference but didn’t do any harm! Xx

[Noodleone]

My best advice would be to not over think it and stay as relaxed as possible. There are lots of variables to IVF most of which we have limited control over - I tend to think all the ‘do this, don’t do that’ just makes people feel guilty and stressed and so is entirely unhelpful. Good luck x

[SL1976 in reply to Noodleone]

Thank you for replying. Yeah I haven’t been overthinking it but have had people telling me I should be doing this and eating that (not people on ivf) so it got me thinking maybe I need to be doing specific things. x

[Noodleone in reply to SL1976]

Ugh yes there are a lot of those! My partner and I have decided to just listen to our specialist and do what he says - there is so much noise about IVF and people who think they know it when they don’t. Much of the science is still contested or being uncovered so there often isn’t a definitive answer. I’ve focussed on getting good sleep, reducing any stress, doing light exercise like walking and eating well (but so far I haven’t cut out anything either). These are all things I would do to feel my best normally. We’ve just finished our first collection and got above average results. Best wishes for your journey x

[Italy300618]

Wishing you lots of luck for your ivf. I would definitely recommend reading "it starts with the egg" we had a failed first cycle, and I felt that I did all I could before hand, I had a healthy-ish diet cut out caffeine and alcohol.

After having read the book I feel a lot more aware of the different supplements there are out there, lots more information into diet and what foods are better for fertility, and in general gave us something proactive to work on rather than hoping it will just work next time or leaving it to luck.

Sometimes clinics arent up with the times and arent always the best for asking for advice.

Go with what suits you as a couple and doesn't put too much stress and pressure on yourself.

Xxx