More than 1 percent of all babies born in the United States are conceived through assisted reproductive technology, also known as in vitro fertilization, or IVF, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2010. Women undergo IVF for a variety of reasons related to both female and male infertility. While most IVF centers don't have their patients follow any particular diet, some offer suggestions for dietary intake during the IVF cycle. More importantly, focusing on dietary changes before starting an IVF cycle may improve your chances of conception during IVF.
Pre-IVF Diet
One of most important things you can do to maximize your chances of getting pregnant through IVF involve stabilizing your weight. If you're overweight, lose weight before starting IVF, and if you're underweight, gain a few pounds. The Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago found that women under age 35 in their clinic with a body mass index of 30, which is in the obese range, had an ongoing pregnancy rate of 33 percent compared to 54 percent for those with a BMI less than 30. Excess weight can also cause difficulties during egg retrievals. Emphasize whole grains, eliminate trans fats and refined sugar, have a serving of full fat diary each day and limit red meat intake to get in your best fertility condition, Harvard Health Publication suggests. Take a daily prenatal tablet containing 800 micrograms of folic acid, which helps prevent neural tube defects, before starting IVF.
During the IVF Cycle
Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with conception; avoid both during your IVF cycle. Consuming 300 mg of caffeine per day can reduce fertility by 27 percent, the American Pregnancy Association reports. Caffeine can constrict blood vessels, slowing uterine blood flow and oxygen delivery, interfering with implantation. Alcohol intake in any amount can lower the chance of conception by 50 percent in a natural cycle, according to a Johns Hopkins School of Medicine study reported in the October 1998 "Fertility and Sterility."
After Embryo Transfer
Listeria, a bacteria that can infect cold cuts, soft cheeses and unpasteurized dairy foods, can cause very early miscarriage, before a missed period even occurs, so don't eat any of these products after the embryo transfer. Continue to avoid alcohol and minimize caffeine intake.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation and Diet
Ovarian hyperstimulation is a serious complication of in vitro fertilization caused by the administration of hCG before egg retrieval. The Polycystic Ovary Association of Australia recommends following a high protein diet during the IVF cycle for women with PCOS, who are more likely to develop ovarian hyperstimulation, or OHSS. Women with OHSS must stay hydrated, because fluid is drawn out of the blood and into tissues. Blood becomes thick and prone to clotting. If you have mild OHSS and are not hospitalized, drink 3 liters of water a day to stay hydrated, the association suggests. Follow your medical practitioner's instructions on diet; most women with OHSS are very nauseated and find eating difficult because of severe bloating from fluid retention.
References
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Assisted Reproductive Technology
- Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago:Body mass index and its effect on infertility and In Vitro Fertilization Success Rates
- Baby Center: Fertility Diet: The Nutrients You Need to Conceive
- "Newsweek:" Fat, Carbs and the Science of Conception
- American Pregnancy Association: Pre-Conception Nutrition
- "Fertility and Sterility:" Alcohol and caffeine consumption and decreased fertility; Rosemarie Hakim, Ph.D et al; October, 1998
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