Here is the list of things to do during IVF (in-vitro fertilization) treatment:
Understand the process: Being aware and knowing about the IVF process results in
you being personally confident to undergo IVF as it is a complex process with a
sequence of procedures to achieve pregnancy. IVF takes two weeks to finish one cycle.
A process called egg retrieval is involved in IVF, where a woman’s eggs are retrieved
from the ovary and are fertilized with a sperm which results in an embryo. Once the
embryo is developed, it is again transferred back into the uterus which results in
pregnancy.
Understand your hormone levels: It is vital to know that your hormones will be on
edge during the whole process; it will feel like you’re on a roller coaster ride as you deal
with unusual bouts of sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty when you have to make major
decisions. Understand it is all normal under the current situation, though it cannot be
avoided but can be minimized if you can bring it under control.
Follow the instructions: It is always advisable to follow the advice of the doctor with
regards to your food choices, sleep patterns, and the kind of medicines that you must
take regularly for the IVF treatments.
Keep an eye on insurance policies: IVF treatments can be costly and can make a
dent in your finances. But don’t worry. There are several beneficial insurance policies
out there to cover the majority of the expenses. Take a well-informed approach on
considering a policy before opting for IVF treatments.
Get support: Never hesitate to ask for psychological support. Never neglect the state of
your mental health. You will be experiencing a multitude of emotions with each one
crying for individual attention, and it is vital to address them all one by one. Talk to your
family, friends, and psychiatrists if you ever need someone to share stuff that is
bothering you. They will be more than ready and present to offer you the help that you
long for.
Reduce stress: As you begin to consider IVF treatments, cut back on all types of stress
that drain you. Take remedial steps to battle stress by meditating, listening to positive
and uplifting music, watching inspiring videos, and practicing a hobby.
Here is the list of things to NOT do during IVF treatment:
Avoid substance use: It is highly important to avoid smoking, drinking, and taking
drugs that are not prescribed during the treatments to ensure the success rate.
Therefore, stay away at all costs.
Don’t neglect your state of health: It is so common to forget taking care of yourself
while making other important choices. Try to stay fit, eat healthier food, maintain a
balanced diet, and don’t forget the essential vitamins.

Don’t disregard or take advice lightly: Follow the expert physician’s advice word for
word. They are knowledgeable and know the process in and out. Listen carefully and
follow it.
You are now aware of the list of do’s and don’ts of the IVF process. This list will be
helpful before deciding to go for IVF treatments. But during the IVF process, there are
some do’s and don’ts you have to follow to ensure maximum success. The entire list of
do’s and don’ts during the IVF process can be divided into three sections or phases.
The phases are the pre-cycle phase, mid-cycle phase, and post-cycle phase.
Pre-cycle Phase:
The goal should be fully focused on maintaining your healthiest state of both body and
soul.
Your diet must contain some fruits, nuts, green leafy stuff, lots of veggies, and of course
meat that is rich in zinc if you are a meat lover.
Drink water. Drink a lot of it to maintain a healthy state of living. Stick to a schedule that
enables you to drink at least eight glasses per day on average at a minimum.
Avoid food that can cause food poisoning such as raw eggs.
Do not include artificial sweeteners in your drinks or consume a drink that has one as a
listed ingredient.
Avoid excess doses of caffeine and keep away from alcohol.
Avoid smoking. Stay away from tobacco and marijuana.
Mid-cycle Phase:
Ensure that you are getting at least eight hours of rest. Sleep is vital for your body, so
do not miss out on having the necessary sleep.
Ensure a healthy level of fluids by drinking an adequate quantity of water.
The no smoking and no alcohol rule continues in this phase too.
Do a moderate to low impact exercise routine.
Avoid cardio exercises, especially bicycle riding, if you have to provide semen for the
IVF cycle.
Remember that for some couples it takes multiple attempts to achieve a successful
outcome. So never give up on IVF after the first attempt if it is unsuccessful.
Do not listen to people who tend to focus on the negative aspects; each couple will
undergo a different process and follow a different lifestyle.
Post-cycle Phase:

You deserve a treat for following all the do’s and don’ts of fertility treatment thus far;
treat yourself with a spa day or a women’s night out. But do not use public hot tubs or
Jacuzzi’s
Talk and share about everything going on in your life with your partner.
Try to relax as much as possible and avoid all kinds of stress. Stress produces high
levels of cortisol. Cortisol and other hormones can prevent implantation of fertilized
eggs. Stress can also mess up your cycles. You may end up ovulating a few days
before menstruating.
To avoid miscarriage and other fertility-related risks, do not take a bath in a hot tub or
undertake a hot sauna after the transfer of the embryo, as both of these tend to
increase the average body temperature and can cause unnecessary complications
which can be avoided.
Since there are possibilities of light bleeding after the retrieval of the egg, do not use
tampons, but you can use menstrual pads and maintain proper hygiene.
You can avoid bloating by consuming water and other alternatives such as coconut
water and liquid IV or drinks that are low in sugar.
In addition to eight hours of sleep, take plenty of naps ranging from 30 to 45 minutes.
This will help you feel refreshed, stay alert, and focus on important tasks to complete for
the day.
Apart from this, follow the physician’s advice regularly. This elaborative list of do’s and
don’ts applies to any kind of fertility treatments that you and your partner decide to opt
for. So don’t lose heart and never give up on hope; keep doing what you must do and
don’t stress much.
Surrogacy and IVF
You might question what the major difference is between surrogacy and IVF. Notice that
there is a world of difference. The babies conceived through in-vitro fertilization are
known as “test tube babies.” In surrogacy, babies are conceived when a woman is
artificially inseminated with the intended sperm and this woman carries as well as
delivers the baby for the intended couple to raise the baby as their own child. Surrogacy
is typically an arrangement between a woman and a couple where the woman agrees to
carry the baby in her womb until delivery.
Usually, in a standard IVF procedure, the fertilized egg, which is initially retrieved, is
then transferred and placed in the womb of the biological mother from where the egg
was retrieved in the first place. Contrary to this, in surrogacy, the fertilized egg is placed
in the womb of the woman who has agreed to bear the child and not in the biological
mother. The surrogate mother may agree to do it for reasons that vary from monetary to
altruistic intentions. There are few countries that prohibit surrogacy for profit and India is
among them.

There are a few details to pay attention to where maintaining a healthy diet is of prime
importance. Include a lot of whole grains in your diet like quinoa, faro, and whole grain
pasta, and don’t forget to include legumes, lentils, chickpeas, and beans. Eating healthy
fats is highly encouraged; this includes virgin olive oil, nuts, avocado, etc. Highly
processed foods and red meat must be avoided at all cost.
In addition, meditating and visualizing all that happens in your body with the transferred
embryos might induce positivity and optimism to make things work out just the way you
wish it to happen.