Getting my body ready for IVF

[Elocin]

Ok, so this a VERY new world for me, and I'm hoping to get some suggestions on how to prepare my body for IVF.

It's still a few months away, but is there anything you did in the lead up that you feel helped you?

I'm still processing the fact that this is my journey, but am slightly excited at the thought of it all!

Thanks, Nic

[kass]

Hi Nic - good luck for your first cycle!

I usually do the basics of healthy food and limited alcohol - nothing special! So far I've gotten really good quality embies on minimal medication - my body just doesn't want to accept them This time around (FET) I'm upping the ante health-wise -hopefully it will make a difference! I've cut out all processed food and alcohol and am making more of an effort with exercise. I've switched to full fat dairy - apparently it's better if you're trying to get pregnant - and am eating way more veg and legumes. I'm also taking flax oil which is meant to be good.

I know heaps of people recommend acupuncture. I've been meaning to try that out but haven't really found the time yet.

Anyway - not sure if any of that helps, but good luck!

[Mum2SweetCs]

No wise words here Elocin, just keeping my fingers crossed that you will be UTD naturally before IVF comes around!

[MummaSue]

Hey hun, I hope you don't think I'm stalking you!! hehe.

Here is what I did.

January 2009 - started acupuncture weekly with someone who specialises in infertility. Took some herbs that she recommended also. We started IVF in June 2009. In between those times, I exercised, ate really well, saw a naturopath for some advice on healthy eating and overall well being and quit caffeine altogether. I was pretty hardcore and stuck to my version of the rules (being uber good really).

When I started the synarel (nasal spray) I also started taking fresh royal jelly (there is a thread on it here somewhere - https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...ly-107221.html) until egg pick up. Also took (and still take) a good multivitamin and liquid fish oil - flaxseed oil is also good.

I think that's it for me, I was pretty strict with myself as I really really wanted to give myself the best chance to make it work. My FS also told me to have a couple of glasses of red wine a week - antioxidants apparently!

Sue xxxx

[glenny_c]

Hi there Elocin, I did acupuncture weekly before and during IVF, I also drank rasberry leaf and red clover tea and ate a lo more healthily. I also didn't touch alcohol. I think that's about it. I think there were a couple of other things the acupuncturist had me taking but I can't remember what they were sorry... I went to a fertility acupuncturist and chinese herbalist in Ashgrove, she does a lot of work with IVF patients as well as people trying to conceive naturally.

[Muppity]

I'm an accupuncture girl too!

Seeing one who specialises in female reproduction or fertility would be a bonus.

Remember also that the mental side of IVF prep is just as important, so something like yoga or meditation can really help.

Very best of luck on your journey.

[luna moth]

Ummm... maybe this is a bit out there, but I think we should have an IVF blessingway for you. There's enough Brissie chicks around who want to see a positive outcome from this, so I think we should make it happen.

[Elocin]

Thanks girls... my list of things to research is growing - and I love it!!

Alright, I need to find a good A/C in Bris that specialises in fertility issues.

Yoga will be started again next week.

Loving the idea of a blessingway Audax... the support I'm feeling already is overwhelming...

[Elocin]

Another thought... DH had an SA done 6 months ago and had a result of 92% abnormality... should I keep him on the zinc tablets until we start IVF?

[YoYo]

Stalking Nic....good luck! xx

[CharlieBrownGirl]

Ummm... maybe this is a bit out there, but I think we should have an IVF blessingway for you. There's enough Brissie chicks around who want to see a positive outcome from this, so I think we should make it happen.

I'll fly up to join in the blessingway. Not sure what what happens, but I'll be there to support you

[onthefly]

I would pick up a hobby if you don't already have one so you have other nice things to occupy your thoughts and time, as well as the unpleasantness of IVF

[MummaSue]

Get him on Menevit Elocin, the IVF folks will probably do that anyway, so will be good to get a head start xxx

[boomba]

Good luck hun. I dont have any wise words but I have heard accupuncture works well with IVF! xxx

[oneday86]

Elocin i agree, limit alcohol and eat healthy and some Excercise. My DH and i are on a health kick for our 2nd STIM cycle, i have DH on sperm max and vital greens from the health food shop and i give him healthy lunches and brazil nuts which are supposed to help with motility. Not sue if this is you fertilty problem? It is alot to take in at first but once you get into the swing of things its pretty easy and not as stressful as you prob think it will be. When are you starting? Goodluck xxx