Tips on preparing for a FET in advance (6-8 weeks)

[Ellie1005]

So I maybe planning a little early for this but wanted to get opinions on what to do to prepare for a FET, any particular things to do/eat/drink, supplements to take etc?

Also, any info on what you lovely ladies thought helped you, specific procedures (scratch, intralipids etc).

Thanks so much! x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Ellie. My dietary advice is as follows: 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 and all the best with the FET. Diane

[Ellie1005 in reply to DianeArnold]

Thats very useful Diane thanks so much! x

[XOXO13]

Diane’s nutrition tips are super helpful and in line with the diet I keep to as well… lots of healthy fats and protein. Supplement wise I take methyfolate, omega 3 and Vit D - those were recommended by my clinic. Before transfer, I kept up with yoga and lots of walking for both physical and mental state. Wishing you lots of luck 🍀 xx

[Ellie1005 in reply to XOXO13]

Thanks so much for the tips! I really need to get back into yoga, I always feel better after it just need to get into the routine! 😊xx

[Jolinkomo]

In addition to eating healthy fats and proteins, taking vitamin d, folate, omega 3, prenatal vitamin I decided to use the Chinese herbs my Chinese medical Dr and acupuncturist recommended. I had lining issue for my first cancelled attempt. I used herbs to aid with blood flow and lining thickening upto a day before transfer. On the day before the transfer and day of transfer i did acupuncture. I then added post transfer herbs.

I walked quite a lot on the day of transfer and 2 days later as I was abroad and wanted to shop..

I have a weak back so throughout this time did a lot of back exercises that did not strain lower abdomen.

On 8 Day post transfer I found out that I am pregnant.

What I did different after 10 years of trying were eating a lot of fatty food, protein, fruits and vegetables than usual and I do eat a fair bit of veg and fruits usually. The Chinese herbs I believe helped and I am still taking the post transfer ones.

You don't need to take the Chinese herbs. But try and relax your mind, do activities that will encourage blood flow to the uterus. The embryo needs the lining to be lush to embed.

I carried on with normal activities as I remember many years ago in Africa, women got pregnant and didn't know while cutting firewood and walking miles to the farm. And other activities that will make your eyes pop. Once lining and supporting hormones are ok. The uterus is like a a deflated balloon made of jelly that sticks. The embryo will penetrate if all is right and it's the right time.

If hope it goes well for you. It's still early days for me and I am feeling morning sickness at 4 weeks but I am hopeful. Praying and hoping. Cos I am 51. If this happened to a worry head like me who is chronically in debt due to fertility issue. it will come true for many.

[Ellie1005 in reply to Jolinkomo]

Sorry for the delay in replying thanks for getting back to me this is all good stuff and congratulations on your pregnancy!! I hope you’re starting to feel a little better. I’ll have a look into some if these things, sounds great 😊 xx

[Jolinkomo in reply to Ellie1005]

Hi dear. Still very anxious and managing the nausea, tiredness with full time work. But hopeful. I really wish it was easy for all of us to have babies.

I hope you are doing well

[Ellie1005 in reply to Jolinkomo]

I’m sure you are, unfortunately it’s such a tough journey for us all in more ways than one, I hope the tiredness and nausea ease up for you and that you can try and take it a bit easier in work (not easy to do!). Sending you lots of good vibes 😊xx

[Ranchu90]

Vit E is the vitamin for fertility, raspberry tea leaf 🌿 these are good for your lining. Keep your mind busy and don't think about "if doesn't work?!" Stay positive ♥️🤗 good luck

[Ellie1005 in reply to Ranchu90]

Great suggestions thank you!! I think that’s more than half the battle isn’t it, will try and start meditation and yoga to keep me occupied 😊xx