Most women spend a great deal of time taking care of others, but studies show that stress and other environmental factors can contribute to the infertility cycle. Most doctors, or reproductive endocrinologists, state that during IVF procedures, or for those who are attempting to become pregnant, taking care of yourself is one of the most critical things you can do to increase your chances of conception.
Here are the top ten things you should be doing for yourself.
Watch what you eat (garbage in…well…)
Processed foods, fast foods, and junk foods are not good for your body and they won’t be good for your baby, either. Before you are actually pregnant, you are actually eating for two already. For those on infertility medications, this is doubly important.
Drink filtered water
Many water sources in cities across the country are loaded with metals, impurities, or other elements that can throw off the body’s delicate system.
Take time to eat three well balanced meals a day
The body needs to have a routine and to expect good nourishment at predictable times of the day. Don’t skip meals. Many of the IVF drugs that women are placed on require that you keep up your energy stores by eating regular meals and taking the IVF meds with the meals.
Eat in a stress free environment
The dinner table is not the place to air problems.
Take time out to spend with family and friends
Statistics show that women who feel connected to others are more likely to feel safe, secure, and happy, all of which create an emotional chemical cocktail that can combat infertility. Many of the side effects that you’ll see with some of the IVF medications can be alleviated just by having a stress free environment.
Get some form of light exercise daily
Women who are overweight have a harder time becoming or sustaining pregnancy.
Make sure you do what it takes to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily
If your body is too tired to work or stay awake at work, then it is too tired to make a baby. Many IVF meds are prescribed to help stimulate the body’s systems, but if it is tired, it won’t make a difference.
Steer clear of alcohol or non-prescription drugs
Don’t put anything in your body that you wouldn’t feed to your baby, plus many of the fertility medications will react badly in combination with alcohol.
Unplug (yes, this means Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram)
Limit the amount of time you spend on social media as it can keep you from spending time on yourself or other less stressful pursuits.
Don’t overcommit to others
This is hard, but you can say ‘no’ to things. The world will keep turning, and you can turn your energy into making a new life inside of you.
Take a vacation (many women become pregnant while on vacation!)
Removing yourself from a stressful environment is a great way to jumpstart your body’s rhythms.
Infertility Experiences
Babycenter.com
Patient 1: This patient posts to the group that she thought her doctor was nuts telling her that she needed to create a less stressful home, but since she was spending so much on the IVF meds she wanted to give everything the optimal chances of working. She reports that she has several mature eggs that have occurred during this cycle so far.
Babyandbump.momtastic.com
Patient 2: A patient from asks the group if there are certain foods that are supposedly good for women who are trying to become pregnant. Several people respond stating that the healthier the better as far as foods, and one responder states that she cut out all alcohol.
Mothering.com
Patient 3: A patient states that a friend of hers had suggested that while going through IVF treatments and using several of the IVF meds that it would be better to alter her lifestyle a bit. She did this and states that she can tell a difference in the way that she feels, which surprised her. She is hopeful for good news soon.
Learn more about buying clomiphene, gonadotrophins, and other discounted IVF meds at IVFPrescriptions.com
