How long before IVF cycle to stop drinking?

[IMax93]

In general I don’t drink much maybe one or two glasses of wine on the weekend if I fancy or a couple of cocktails on a special occasion.

I’m hopefully starting round 2 of ICSI in the summer and now we’re out of lockdown I have a few celebrations and weddings which I would normally drink at but I’m not sure how soon before my cycle I should stop drinking.

The consultant said everything is ok in moderation but I want to give it our best shot.

Any advice?

[Nuszkahope]

If you drinking one or two glasses of wine at the weekend you have nothing to worry about x

[Nuszkahope in reply to Nuszkahope]

*you are

[IvfStruggler]

I normally drink 2/4 glasses of wine a week until day 21 before a cycle starts (when I start my Norethisterone or down-regulation). I was very good for one cycle of IVF where I had no alcohol for 3 months before starting (nor caffeine or sugar and ate all the good supplements). But that was my worst round with only 1 of 10 eggs fertilising. My last round was much better (although no success yet) and then I had everything in moderation (apart from caffeine). Good luck! Xxx

[IMax93 in reply to IvfStruggler]

Thanks that’s really helpful it’s hard, I was so strict on my first round as I was in lockdown but is didn’t work. Now we’re able to socialise I don’t won’t to miss out on meals out and celebrations with friends due to being overly strict on everything.

Good luck to you too xx

[IvfStruggler in reply to IMax93]

Having a (social) life outside IVF is so important! I just asked my consultant because I was so worried about not sleeping and then not sleeping because I was so worried 😣 She said egg quality is down to age- that's it. But being relaxed and having good mental health is important for pregnancy. Don't know how to get through ivf while being relaxed (sound impossible) but hanging out with friends and socialising will help. Right? Xxx

[IMax93 in reply to IvfStruggler]

Bless you, with everything going on it can be a lot I find journaling before bed can help, as it gets all the the thoughts on a page.And ye definitely it’s a welcome distraction to IVF, going out and being ‘normal’ I think will help me this time round.I think the whole journey can feel so isolating at times! Xx

[Chiefy]

I'm not a big drinker generally, don't really drink at home and due to lockdown I hadn't been out for drinks for about 9 months before my EC. I started stims on 3rd Jan and had EC on 14 Jan. Drank probably half a bottle of wine over Christmas and the odd gin, which was the most I had had to drink since March 2020 and I am currently 21 weeks pregnant.

I think the point is not drinking heavily or having a binge session, the odd glass of wine a couple of weeks before collection isn't the same thing.

[Running79]

I do like a drink, normally a couple of bottles of wine at the weekend.

I started medication mid February and gave up alcohol completely in January, just to make sure I was in good shape

[Weareback2]

Ivf is stressful enough without not enjoying your time socialising. I ate hwalthy, but if had something planned drank. I had my laasy drink a few weeks before starting. Good luck xx

[IMax93 in reply to Weareback2]

Thank you xx

[Hidden]

My last cycle I was so strict with no drinkingbfor about 3 months, it was our worst cycle. I now have a couple of glasses of wine a week and will likley stop ahead of our 3rd cycle. I have cut down caffeine drinking only decaff tea and decaff coffee having said that.i have a costa infront of me on my desk as I speak🤣 This process is hard enough as it is I think its down to the mechanics and the right cycle that will make it work. Try not worry too much good luck ❤ X

[IMax93 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for replying, your stories are making me feel more human and less guilty. Ye I’ve cut down on caffeine and am on only decaf most of the time, enjoy your costa! X

[Kjo122]

I cut out caffeine completely but had some drinks up to 2 days before my FET and it worked this time around. I made sure to always stay hydrated as well though as that is important for meds to work properly and overall health.

[IMax93 in reply to Kjo122]

Thank you for replying xx

[Lenz56]

I agree with everyone. I was so strict in previous cycles, watched what i ate snd drunk and the cycles were the worst.

I fell pregnant naturally after a trip to Greece last year where we were drinking and eating without restrictions. Not drinking to get drunk but in moderation.

[IMax93 in reply to Lenz56]

Thank you for replying you’ve made me feel so much better about it all! Xx