..what is an ivf diet..

A lot of people have asked me what exactly is the IVF Diet so I decided that a post was neccessary to help those who are interested. A lot of the information that I have I simply found on the internet as well as friends.

If you are about to start an IVF cycle, now is the time to start the IVF Diet. Typically it's done 2-3 months before the start of a cycle, but even starting a few weeks before will help. It's essential both before and after{eliminating certain food after your ET}.

Here is a list of things that make up the IVF Diet:

The diet helps in many ways. Helps with egg quality, uterine lining, implantation, prevention of M/C's and so on. I didn't want to leave anything out, so I have copied and pasted the article that I am following.

If you have any further questions, leave me a comment and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Maintaining a proper diet is key when trying to conceive. Meals should be healthy and balanced, containing foods from every food group.

Organic foods, whole wheat, fruits and vegetables can all help increase a woman's chance of becoming pregnant. These foods contain lots of vitamins and minerals, which are key to conception and fetal development.
Protein sources, such as meat and poultry, help maintain healthy level of iron. Low iron levels at the onset of pregnancy increase the risk of developing postpartum anemia, which reduces a new mom's energy. Post-partum anemia affects 27% of women.
Vegetarian diets are generally healthy, but iron supplements are sometimes needed to avoid anemia when a diet lacks reliable sources of iron and dairy. Calcium and B12 supplements may be recommended.

While many women are wary of fish because it contains mercury, you should still try to eat fish with low mercury levels. These are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which boost fertility and heart health. Mercury is toxic to the fetus and stays in a woman's bloodstream for over a year. Fish that's high in mercury includes white tuna, shark, frozen swordfish and marlin. Fish that contain low levels of mercury include salmon, flounder, trout, haddock, tilapia, and canned chunk light tuna (not albacore). Experts say that it is safe for women to have up to 12 ounces of low mercury fish per week. If women still feel wary about eating fish, or if they are vegetarians, flax seeds are another good source of omega-3. Extra omega-3 is now being added to many foods, including yogurts and breads.

Choosing breads with whole grains will help to ensure that you get enough fiber. Whole grains also contain nutrients that help to stimulate total body health.

Make sure that you're getting enough calcium. Dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese are all good sources, however, these foods contain saturated fats, which should only be consumed in moderation. Many vegetables, such as broccoli, kale and oranges are as good a source of calcium as dairy products. Fish, such as sardines and salmon, are also good sources of calcium.

Vegetables, such as peas, broccoli and pumpkin, are also excellent sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals. When choosing fruits and veggies, look for a bright hue; the brighter the color, the more nutrients the food contains. Blueberries, kale and red peppers are especially healthful. Antioxidants in these foods also help to counteract the negative effects of pollution and the sun on our bodies.

Oranges and lemons are a good food choice because they contain folic acid, which stimulates the development of female sex hormones, while reducing the risk of spina bifida in infants.

High-quality multivitamins are an excellent way to ensure that a diet contains enough nutrients. Vitamins containing zinc, folic acid and B vitamins are crucial. Zinc helps cell division in the development of the fetus, while a lack of zinc can decrease the production of healthy eggs prior to conception. Zinc is the only mineral conclusively shown to increase fertility rates. Vitamin B6 is rich in folic acid, while Vitamin B12 helps to absorb it. A supplement containing essential fatty acids is also important.

A high fluid intake is also important when trying to conceive. In order to stay hydrated, a woman trying to get pregnant should be doubly sure to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water and natural fruit juices (that do not contain added sugar) per day.

Some other items not listed that I've heard are helpful:

Green tea
Red Raspberyy Leaf Tea
Sunflower Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Walnuts
Exercise - I am exercising 3-4 times a week for 30-40 minutes{helps my mental state and I feel so content after}
Being overweight or underweight can also be a huge factor in a successful IVF cycle. I tend to be on the underweight side, so I have to be really concious of what I'm eating so I don't loose weight. Eating foods higher in fat for me{non-greasy} helps me maintain a healthy body weight.

If I've left anything out, I'll be sure to update. I feel like I am.

I only followed a few of things my first IVF cycle and I got a BFN. I'm following this plan to the T and feel so positive about my next cycle.

I hope that I have helped you understand the importance of preparing your body for an IVF cycle.

Thanks,
Lauren