5 Must Have Foods After an Embryo Transfer

 

Embryo transfer is an important part of the in vitro fertilisation process, a highly popular option for women who are finding it difficult to become pregnant and have a biological baby. The IVF process involves stimulation of the ovaries to produce eggs that are fertilised with sperm to have an embryo. This is followed by the transfer of the embryo to the uterus for it to result into pregnancy. Since the whole process of IVF and its three stages can be quite stressful, adequate focus is required on eating nutritious and healthy food. 

Specialists at the best IVF centre in Hyderabad recommend eating a plant-based diet with a lot of colourful items. The Mediterranean diet that is rich in plant based foods is known to have a positive impact on the overall health of both men and women and may even improve the IVF success rate amongst women. 

Relation between Nutrition and Fertility

Nutrition plays an important role in enhancing the reproductive efficiency of a person. And eating a balanced and nutrient rich diet becomes even more important when you have opted for IVF and have undergone an embryo transfer. While IVF does not guarantee pregnancy, it offers hope, and the chances of its success can be improved by adopting good food habits. 

A diet rich in fish, legumes, vegetables and low in carbohydrates has been found to increase the chances of pregnancy by IVF intracytoplasmic sperm injection or ICSI, according to a study. It was also found that a dietary intake of Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, Alpha-linolenic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is linked to positive results in women undergoing IVF or ICSI. A healthy diet also works to ward off potential obstacles to fertility. 

Foods to Consume After Embryo Transfer

The success of the IVF and the embryo transfer largely depends on the age at which ovulation took place, the quality of the embryo and the endometrium of the uterus. But the type and quality of diet consumed is important for the overall well-being and health of a person which in turn aids in improved fertility.   

Here are some essential food items that should be included in your diet after embryo transfer:

• Protein rich foods- both animal and vegetable proteins must form part of your diet as they make you feel full longer.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and disease fighting phytochemicals. The antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables are important for detoxification of our body. Also rich in iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium, fruits and vegetables should constitute 50% of our food intake in a day.
• Whole grains especially grains with more fiber.
• Legumes like beans, lentils and chickpeas are rich in folic acid, an essential nutrient for the brain and spinal cord development of the baby. One can even take folic acid supplements.
• Healthy fats like nuts and seeds such as flaxseeds, chia seeds are good sources of energy.

In addition to inclusion of foods that are rich in essential proteins and minerals like zinc and iron, in your diet, ensure that you eat home cooked foods rather than foods that are fried and cooked with lots of butter and oil. Processed foods are rich in trans fats that are unhealthy and can be linked to high infertility rate, doctors at the IVF Conception Centre in Kondapur, Hyderabad point out.