IVF treatment is a blessing to those who are unable to become pregnant naturally. It is an assisted reproductive technology in which an embryo is placed in the uterus of females to increase their chances of conception. It takes around three weeks to complete the entire cycle of In Vitro Fertilization. The effectiveness of this procedure depends on the quality of sperm and egg. And the health of sperm & egg depends on the food you eat. In simple words, your diet has a considerable impact on the success rate of IVF treatment. Therefore, once you have decided to go with this assisted reproductive technique, it is vital to pay attention to the food you consume.
First of all, it is essential to note that obesity can hamper the outcomes of IVF treatment. Hence, it is pivotal to alleviate the intake of saturated fats and carbs. Apart from this, switch to healthy nutrition meals. It can help you to reduce stress and increase the chances of conception. Let us discuss in detail the foods to eat and avoid while planning for IVF treatment.
Foods To Consume During IVF Treatment
Folic Acid Rich Foods
Folic acid fosters the development of the embryo’s brain as well as the spinal cord. The neuro system is developed in the first month of pregnancy, and if your body lacks folic acids, there is a high probability of congenital disabilities in the baby. So, it is crucial for every woman who is trying to conceive through IVF to devour optimum amounts of folic acid. According to experts, women should consume 400 mcg of folic acid while trying to conceive and in the first three months of pregnancy. And in the fourth to ninth months of pregnancy, it is recommended to take around 600 mcg of folic acid per day.
Iron-Rich Foods
The endocrinologist who provides IVF treatment in Chandigarh and other parts of the city also suggests consuming iron-rich foods. The reason is that low iron stores in the body can result in preterm birth. Moreover, females lose significant amounts of iron every month due to menstruation, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. And low iron levels can affect the health of eggs. Therefore, it is pivotal to eat spinach, broccoli, red meat, etc., to maintain adequate iron status.
Protein-Rich Meals
The other nutrient that plays a vital role in the development of a healthy egg is protein. If you are serious about getting pregnant with In vitro fertilization, increase your protein intake from today. It helps physical growth and provides you instant energy. Doctors say that a pregnant woman should include 60 grams of protein in her diet. Soya products, low-fat dairy products, meat, and egg are abundant sources of protein. You can consider them in your daily diet plan to elevate your protein status.
Good Fats
As discussed above, saturated fats are not suitable for pregnancy. However, there is no harm if you devour unsaturated fats in moderate amounts. On the contrary, it can help in the development of eggs and give you enough energy to complete the IVF journey with ease. Olive oil, nuts, chia seeds, and oily fish are rich in unsaturated fats.
Plenty Of Fluids
In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to gulp enough water. Due to this, our body has to suffer a lot. So for a healthy and successful pregnancy, you should drink the right amount of fluids.
Foods To Avoid During IVF Treatment
Alcohol
Quit alcohol at least six months before starting IVF treatment. It can lead to erratic ovulation and have a destructive impact on egg quality.
Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks contain harmful chemicals, which are not good for fertility at all. It can cause ovulatory infertility in females and incline sperm concentration in males.
Raw Eggs
Raw eggs contain a virus called salmonella, which can lead to food poisoning. So, it would be better to avoid food that is made with raw eggs such as mayonnaise, salad dressing, etc.
Caffeine Rich Beverages
Limit caffeine-rich beverages as they can interfere with IVF procedures.
The Bottom Line
Some clinics provide IVF treatment at affordable prices, while others are expensive. Therefore, it would be better to compare IVF costs in Chandigarh and other parts of the country and choose the most suitable one.