Navigating IVF or egg freezing: your guide to supplements nutrition and wellness
Starting an IVF or egg freezing cycle can feel overwhelming, and it’s completely normal to have questions about how to best prepare your body. At The Evewell, our nurses are here to support you every step of the way. From understanding the right supplements to take, to making informed choices about nutrition and exercise, this guide will help you feel confident and empowered as you begin your journey.
What supplements should I be taking before and during an IVF or egg freezing cycle?
- Our standard recommendation of supplements includes:
- For women: Ubiquinol 200mg twice a day OR CoQ10 200mg three times a day, folic acid 400mcg daily and vitamin D 1000iu (2000iu prior to starting stimulation medication).
- For men: Impryl and Vitamin D 1000iu (2000iu before your partner starts stimulation).
- Based on your clinical circumstances, your consultant may have recommended other supplements in addition to or in place of what we have listed above. These will be outlined in your initial consultation letter. Please continue to take these as advised.
- We advise avoiding any Chinese medicines and Vitamin A, including retinol products.
- We are happy to support your seeking advice from a nutritionist. They are experts in their field, and as long as they know about your fertility journey and what supplements you are already taking, you can follow their recommendations without checking with us.
- We do not have a preference regarding particular brands (with the exception of what is set out in this document) as long as they provide you with the recommended dose and are indicated to be safe in pregnancy.
What should I be eating before and during an IVF or egg freezing cycle?
- Your alcohol intake should be minimal during stimulation and stop prior to egg collection and for a few days after the procedure.
- During pregnancy, there is no ‘safe’ level of alcohol known, and therefore, the advice is to not drink at all.
- Generally, the recommendation is that you eat an ‘Anti-inflammatory diet,’ which includes Mexican, Lebanese, and Mediterranean-type diets. These diets include lots of green leafy vegetables, grilled protein (minimal red meat), small meals, and often brown rice, legumes, and low-glycaemic-index foods.
- During pregnancy, you can find information here on what foods you should be avoiding.
- Oral probiotics such as kefir, natural yoghurt and kombucha can help with symptoms of bloating and constipation.
What exercise can I do during an IVF or egg freezing cycle?
- Your exercise regime should be mainly low impact, gentle exercise during your stimulation. Following egg collection/embryo transfer you should abstain from exercise in the short term.
- Light yoga, light Pilates (not reformer) and walking are always recommended. If you are attending a class, we recommend that you inform your instructor about where you are in the treatment cycle so they can modify moves/exercises if necessary.
- Exercise is safe in moderation during pregnancy. However, we wouldn’t recommend starting a new exercise regime. You can continue to exercise, but please avoid high-impact, heavy-lifting, and high-intensity workouts.
- Gentle swimming is safe during treatment up until the day of your procedure. After your procedure, you should abstain from swimming for at least 10 days. Saunas and hot tubs should be avoided throughout treatment.
- If you were to experience any complications in pregnancy, such as bleeding and/or pain, you should stop immediately and seek advice from a Healthcare Professional.
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Support from The Evewell
Our team of consultants and nurses have pulled together a series of support articles to help you at every point in your fertility journey.
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