Things about IVF pregnancy you should know

Are you prepared? It’s now time to begin your IVF journey and your road to becoming a parent. While it is thrilling, all of the preparations, appointments, injections, and drugs can be exhausting. It’s only normal to want to do everything perfectly in the hopes of having the best chance of success with IVF!

Is it possible to have sex during an IVF cycle?

Yes! Having sex during ovarian stimulation is perfectly safe. However, until the pregnancy test, we ask that you refrain from sex after your embryo transfer.

Is there anything I can do to increase the chances of IVF success?

While there is nothing you can do to ensure that your IVF cycle will be successful 100 per cent of the time, there is a lot you can do to improve your health. For example-

Make your health a priority before beginning IVF therapy.

Take control of your stress levels (think: yoga, meditation, therapy)

Each night, get adequate sleep (8 hours is optimal)

Prenatal vitamins should be taken.

Ask your Care Team questions and be proactive.

Is it possible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 during IVF?

Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended by many major women’s health organisations, and available data verify its safety.

Vaccination not only protects you, but it also protects your unborn child if you become pregnant.

Is it possible to work out during IVF? What is considered safe and what is not?

Walking, elliptical training and lightweight exercises are all safe forms of exercise. Yoga is also beneficial.

Although CrossFit and high-intensity interval training can raise your risk of ovarian torsion, we recommend that you avoid them during the stimulation phase of your IVF cycle.

Is there a certain diet I should stick to?

The word of the day is moderation. Making healthy decisions now will benefit you throughout your pregnancy. It’s good to have one large cup of coffee every day. Tea is generally believed to be healthy as well, though some herbal teas should be avoided!

What about booze?

This is a more complicated answer. There are a variety of responses, ranging from “not a drop when attempting pregnancy” to “it’s perfectly fine.”

After an embryo transfer or an IUI procedure, you should not drink. Why? Because you could be expecting a child!

You can, however, have a glass of wine during the IVF stimulation phase. I would suggest that you limit your drinking to one glass (not two!) each day and not daily.

Is it possible for me to travel while undergoing IVF?

During your IVF cycle, you should be able to fit in a quick weekend break. Long travels, on the other hand, are discouraged, and often, being gone for four days or longer is not permitted due to regular monitoring and other issues.

Depending on where you plan to travel, the Zika virus and COVID-19 are potential threats.

Is it possible for me to colour my hair and get my nails done?

What’s the good news? You can safely colour your hair and get your nails done throughout your IVF stimulation phase.

If you’re pregnant and want to colour your hair, advise your hairdresser to stay away from your scalp.

Is it possible to have a massage during IVF?

You can get a massage, of course! Due to ovarian enlargement, deep tissue massage should be avoided during the IVF stimulation period.

Good luck in your IVF cycle! We’re all rooting for you.