Do's and Don'ts of IVF

Becoming parents can be a huge step, and hence, it requires attention to every detail to ensure that the baby is born healthily, especially when the birth is through IVF. There are certain myths and misconceptions that come with pregnancy; hence, it is always advisable to look out for the right sources to follow what is suitable for the mother and the child. The process, medications, and injections can take a toll and seem very overwhelming, but with the right team of health professionals and authentic information, this process can occur smoothly. A healthy pregnancy does not start once the baby has been conceived; it starts right from the time the couple decides to get pregnant. It is crucial to train the mind and approach the journey with positivity and patience.

Do’s and Don’ts of IVF

Here is a list of points that needs to be kept in mind to continue conceiving a child without any complications:

Exercise:

It is a blend of both do and don’t. Light exercises, walking, yoga, or elliptical training can be allowed as it helps the mind and body feel active and energized; however, over-exercising is not encouraged. IVF can be a stressful process; hence over-exercising can make the body more tired and stressed. Avoid high-intensity workouts, cross-fit training, and other physical activities that demand a lot of energy from the body. Intense exercises can increase the risk of ovarian torsion, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, pain, and vomiting.

Sex:

The partners can engage in intercourse during the ovarian stimulation phase as long as there is no discomfort experienced. The ovaries usually enlarge and expand during this phase, and hence having sex may, in some cases, cause pain; hence it is better to refrain if such a situation arises. It is always better to consult with the doctor to be safe as the doctor will advise based on the current situation.

Diet:

A healthy balanced diet needs to be followed, not just during pregnancy but otherwise too. Everything can be eaten in moderation, and nothing has to be stopped apart from alcohol. Alcohol consumption needs to be restricted as it can impact the growth of the child. It is advisable to reduce salt intake as high salt consumption can lead to water retention and bloating, also a symptom experienced during IVF. During pregnancy, mothers might have an aversion to certain food items, so they need to be excluded till they can be consumed comfortably.

Self-care routine:

Self-pampering is a must-do as it helps release stress and feel good both externally and internally. Trips to the salon, spas or any other form of leisure activity are encouraged; however, in the case of massages at the spa, deep tissue massages and scalp massages need to be avoided due to the enlargement of the ovaries.

Covid vaccination:

Yes, it is allowed for those undergoing IVF treatment to get vaccinated as it provides the baby protection from infections and complications.

Household chemicals:

Certain chemicals used for doing household chores should be avoided. It consists of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are harmful as they can interfere with hormones, prenatal development, and reproductive health. Such chemicals are found in products such as nail polish, moisturizers, soaps, cosmetics, perfumes and other items like specific furniture, yoga mats, electronics, to name a few.

Medicines:

Do not consume any medications without the consultation of the doctor or a health professional. Certain medicines can interfere with the injections and fertility drugs given during IVF and can cause side effects due to this interaction. Hence it is best to avoid medicines and consult the doctor to remain safe.

Sleep

Getting 8-9 hours of sleep is advisable as the body requires rest and comfort. However, over-sleeping can also increase fatigue and tiredness to the body; hence it should be avoided. It is also essential to ensure that a comfortable sleep environment is created without disturbance at night. Dim the lights, make the bed clean and cosy and keep all devices aside to ensure a good sleep.

Hydration

Hydration is vital for women undergoing IVF because drinking liquids maintain healthy fluid levels in the female reproductive organs. Staying hydrated will also keep the blood vessels fueled, limiting the fertility treatments’ potentially dehydrating and toxic side effects.

Preparing the mind and body before IVF is essential as it lowers the chances of inviting complications and failures during the process. Being aware of the steps during the treatment and understanding the guidelines mentioned above will increase the chances of completing IVF successfully. Do not rely on the internet; instead, look for authentic sources to stay informed. Ask questions, be curious, and stay up to date, as that helps to clear doubts and confusion and follow what is best. It is essential for the parents-to-be to always remain connected with their health professionals and inform them about the daily routine as specific guidelines can change based on the health conditions and situation.

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