Congratulations on your successful embryo transfer. Now, it is time to take extra good care of yourself and the growing baby. Following a well-balanced, nutritious diet is very important during this time. If you are looking for some diet tips and ideas to follow after the success of your embryo transfer, we have it all for you right here!
An embryo is a fertilised egg. When a sperm enters the egg and fertilises it successfully, an embryo forms, and the cells start dividing rapidly to develop into a fetus.
In IVF - an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples struggling with infertility to conceive, the female partner’s egg and male partner’s sperm are extracted and put together in a dish to aid fertilisation. On day 3 or day 5, once the embryo forms, the fertility specialist will transfer this embryo into the uterus of the female partner. This is known as an embryo transfer in IVF.
Embryo transfer is a crucial step in IVF treatment. After the transfer of the embryo into the uterus, you just have to wait and watch. During this period, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activities as it can affect the embryo implantation. The body will undergo many hormonal changes and increase in blood flow to aid the process.
Now, your body needs all the support you can give to convert this successful embryo transfer into a successful pregnancy. The food you eat is the nutrition you provide for both your body and the developing embryo.
First, it is important to make note of the foods to avoid after IVF transfer. Some of these foods can affect the implantation process or even the pregnancy itself.
1. Raw Foods– Raw or undercooked meats can carry dangerous bacteria like listeria or E-coli, which can affect both the mother and the developing baby. Raw sprouts and unwashed vegetables can also carry these bacteria.
2. Certain types of Fish – Fish high in mercury can be dangerous during this period. It is best to avoid swordfish, shellfish, sharks, and other types of fish that can contain high levels of mercury. It is also best to avoid eating sushi, sashimi, and oysters during this time.
3. Unpasteurised Dairy - Raw dairy, like raw milk, blue cheese, etc., can also contain E-coli, salmonella, or listeria, which are all dangerous during this time.
4. Processed Foods – Heavily processed or deep-fried foods can cause inflammations in the body, which can negatively impact the implantation.
5. Allergens – If allergic to nuts, seeds, dairy, or other foods, it is best to avoid them completely during this period.
Following a successful embryo transfer, including the following in the diet can help provide the required support for the body:
● Hydration – The body needs to produce and supply more blood to the uterus during this time. Hydration is very important. In addition to drinking more water than usual, you can add soups, broths, fresh fruit juices without sugar, and tender coconut water to your list of liquids.
● Protein – Protein is crucial for the development of cells and tissues and transporting oxygen to the fetus. Protein is also essential to support the increasing demands on the mother’s body. Foods like lean meat, lentils, legumes, cottage cheese, eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds are rich sources of protein you can add to your daily diet.
● Complex Carbs – These carbs take time to digest and do not cause sugar spikes. The slow release of energy can help the mother meet the increasing demands on her body without compromising her health. Foods like whole grains, millet, fresh fruits, vegetables and legumes are rich sources of complex carbs.
● Fibre – Fibre helps improve digestion. Pregnancy can cause indigestion, bloating, and other issues, which can be minimised with sufficient intake of fibre. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and seeds are good sources of fibre. You can include it in your regular diet and not worry about unnecessary weight gain.
● Calcium – Calcium is very important for the development of the baby’s bones, nails and teeth. An expecting mother also requires more calcium throughout her pregnancy to meet the increasing demands on her body, or else she is at risk of developing issues related to low calcium levels, like osteoporosis, in the future.
● Folic Acid - Folic acid is very important for the development of the brain and spinal cord of a baby. In fact, many doctors prescribe folic acid once the couple starts trying to conceive. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, beans, rice, eggs, citrus fruits and asparagus are good sources of folic acid.
● Zinc – Right from the time of egg retrieval, a woman’s body undergoes hormonal fluctuations. It is bound to continue, if not increase, throughout her pregnancy. Zinc can help balance hormone levels, which can also help during pregnancy. Foods like grains, nuts, dairy products and meat are good sources of zinc.
● Healthy Fats – While it is advisable to avoid trans fats, the body needs healthy fats to absorb other nutrients and to produce energy for the body. Some studies show healthy fats can also improve fertility. Foods like avocado, walnuts, seeds, fish and olive oil can be added to your regular diet for a steady source of healthy fats.
● Vitamin D – Vitamin D is very important for balancing hormone levels, and many women suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Eggs, fortified food items, dairy products and fatty fish are good sources of vitamin D.
The period after a successful embryo transfer in IVF is very important. Eating the right foods can provide the essential nutrients in time for the embryo to implant and start developing into a fetus. Make a note of all the foods to eat and avoid after an embryo transfer. A well-balanced after-embryo transfer diet chart can help include all the essential nutrients to support the implantation and pregnancy.
After an embryo transfer, eating foods rich in protein, fibre, and healthy fats can help improve overall health and aid in the development of the embryo into a fetus.
There are no specific foods to help increase the chances of a successful implantation. Following a nutritious diet can help improve overall health and support the increasing demands on the body.
There is nothing much to do to increase the chances of a successful implantation after embryo transfer. Avoiding strenuous activities and foods that can increase the overall body heat or trigger menstruation can reduce the risks of a failed embryo transfer to a great extent.
Yes, you can eat rice after an embryo transfer. It is a good source of carbohydrates. However, don’t overeat it. Anything you consume should be in moderation, regardless of how good it is for your health or pregnancy.
