Repost: Before IVF

illinigal

Good morning ladies.  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend planned.  I usually post over on Trouble TTC and TTGP.  I posted this on Trouble TTC yesterday and only got a couple replies.  I thought maybe you ladies might be able to add some insight.  Thanks.  And I just wanted to say I remember many of you from the old GP days... sorry you're still here.

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/35122015.aspx

DH and I are committed to doing IVF in July.  I got to thinking and I'm wondering if there is anything I should be doing now or in the next couple months to prepare.  Or not be doing I suppose.  Any books about IVF I should read?  We're planning a vacation in June when I'll be on BCPs but before starting the drugs so that is good I figure for relaxation.  What else?

SPerry0376

There is a really great book called "The Couples Guide to In-vitro Fertilization". It's a very informative book that explains everything. Other than that it is pretty basic stuff. Minimize drinking (most people stop once stims start) obviously, no smoking. I prefer to stop taking meds a lower my caffiene in take so that when I HAVE to stop it's an easy transition.

Good luck with your upcoming cycle!

steveandkim2

First off - good luck for your upcoming cycle!   In addition to doing all the research, my advice is to spend some quality time with DH (like the vacation you're planning).  We found that we've gotten so caught up in the IF roller coaster that we forgot to be a married couple.  The month b/w our last IUI and starting IVF was great for us.

Dragonfly1226

I am a total acupuncture-a-holic! I go once a week. It really helps me to relax, and there is research that shows that it can help increase the success rates for an IVF cycle.

Besides that, I would try your best to enjoy the next couple of months. Try to focus on yourself. I think a vacation is a fabulous idea.

GL with your cycle. 

nikinikinine

books: Couples Guide to In Vitro Fertilization and Navigating the Land of IF

Try to go away on vacation if you can. It doesn't have to be somewhere far or fancy. But once you are cycling you can't really just pick up and go and it can be overwhelming.

Pick a gentle yet stress relieving exercise that you can feel comfortable sticking with while you're cycling (some people are too afraid to exercise as they normally would). For me I always run and do yoga no matter what. It helps clear my mind and makes me feel better when the bloat is ruining my life.

Some people do acupuncture (i'm still trying to figure out if that's right for me) and some take supplements, some cut out coffee/alcohol and or processed foods. In the end you have to do what makes you feel comfortable, and all of it is about what you can "live with" and feel the least guilty about. GL with your cycle!

Imanurse03

Hi there!  Like pp mentioned, a lot of people will do acupuncture for a few months before starting IVF and then during their cycle.  I think that studies show it's best to start a few months before you start IVF to prepare your body.  I did acu for my 1st IVF and a FET last year.  I ended up having a c/p and b.o. with those. 

I stopped going to acu because it got to be too expensive for us.  It definitely helped relax me, though. 

A lot of people also swear by wheatgrass supplements.  It's thought to improve egg quality. 

A good book for IVF is In Vitro Fertilization: The A.R.T. of Making Babies.  Very thorough and nice that it only covers IVF.  

Good luck to you!!

patchen30

Hi illinigal, I remember you.  I'm sorry you have to be here.  For me personally, I was trying to avoid reading IVF-centric books b/c I needed a distraction from that as it was already taking over my life and I learn SO much just being on here.  I concentrated on books that focused on mind-body health and holistic approaches.  I read Healthy Mind, Healthy Woman and Making Babies which were both great.  I found the first great to reduce stress, the second great to remind you how to take care of yourself.

I would just recommend eating healthy, exercising, and taking care of your mental health.  Also, if you can swing it, I LOVE acupuncture.