10 items ranging from traditional comforts and practical essentials to healthy remedies.
When preparing for in vitro fertilization (IVF), there are several essentials that can help make the process smoother and more comfortable. We’ve put together a list of ten items to help ease you through the process! Check out our top 7 favorite must-haves, followed by our top 3 favorite traditional comforts and go-tos!
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice and should not be used in lieu of speaking with your physician about your IVF treatment/process. This is purely a perspective based on our own research.
1. Comfortable Clothing:
Loose-fitting, comfortable clothes, especially around the abdomen, are ideal for clinic visits and post-procedure recovery.
2. Snacks and Staying Hydrated:
Keeping healthy snacks, such as nuts, fruits, or protein bars, and staying hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks can help maintain your energy levels.
3. Stress-Relief Aids:
Items like a journal, meditation apps, stress-relief teas, or other self-care tools can help manage the emotional stress that may accompany IVF.
4. Heating Pad:
A heating pad can provide relief from discomfort or cramping that may occur after injections or procedures.
5. IVF Information Folder:
A folder or binder to organize your medical records, appointment schedules, consent forms, and educational materials about the process.
6. Medication Organizer:
IVF often involves a complex medication schedule. A pill organizer or medication tracker app can help manage daily doses, injections, and other medications effectively.
7. Support System Contact List:
Having a list of supportive friends, family members, or a counselor to talk to during this time is crucial. Emotional support is essential during the IVF process.
The following traditional comforts have become symbolic in the IVF community, representing hope and positive outcomes during a challenging process.
8. Pineapple:
This popular belief is rooted in the idea that pineapple contains bromelain*, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties. Many women consume pineapple* before and during the IVF process based on the belief that it may assist with implantation.
Bromelain is thought to aid in creating a ‘favorable environment’ for embryo implantation by reducing inflammation in the uterus and improving blood flow. Some believe that this can help the embryo implant successfully. Bromelain is also a Natural Anticoagulant: it has mild anticoagulant (blood-thinning) effects, which some think might increase blood flow to the uterus, potentially supporting implantation.
Bromelain also contains Anti-inflammatory Properties, Reducing inflammation in the body is often seen as beneficial for overall reproductive health, and bromelain’s anti-inflammatory properties might play a role in this.
*Disclaimer/Important Note – While many women find comfort in this practice, scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of eating pineapple for IVF success is limited. Bromelain is most concentrated in the pineapple core, but consuming it in large quantities might not be suitable for everyone and could cause side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new foods or supplements to your routine, especially during IVF.
9. Wearing fuzzy socks:
The process of IVF can feel overwhelming and beyond control. While there’s no medical reason behind it, focusing on small, comforting details like putting on fuzzy socks can help distract from anxiety and nervousness on the day of the embryo transfer. For many women, wearing a special pair of socks on transfer day is seen as a good luck charm and a symbol of positive vibes. Over time, this practice has gained popularity as a way to bring comfort to the procedure.
IVF procedures often involve cold, clinical environments, and wearing fuzzy socks helps keep feet warm. It also allows women to have a personal ritual that provides a sense of familiarity and control.
This practice has been embraced by the IVF community, with many women sharing photos of their fuzzy socks on social media as a way to connect with others going through the same experience. It helps build a sense of camaraderie and support!
Some women choose socks with inspirational quotes, symbols, or bright colors to infuse the day with positive energy and hope.
Overall, the act of wearing fuzzy socks on IVF transfer day is a simple but meaningful way for women to bring a little warmth, comfort, and positivity to a pivotal moment in their fertility journey.
10. Now, bring on the FRENCH FRIES!
Eating French fries after an IVF transfer has become a popular tradition among some women undergoing fertility treatments. French fries are a widely loved comfort food. After the emotional and physical stress of an embryo transfer, indulging in something familiar and satisfying like French fries can provide a sense of normalcy. Much like wearing lucky socks or eating pineapple, having French fries can be seen as a small, symbolic act of hope and positivity.
Salt Content*: Some believe that the salt in French fries may help reduce bloating and water retention after the transfer, *though this is more of a theory than a scientifically proven fact.
The idea of eating French fries after an IVF transfer started as a superstition and has since become a comforting tradition.
While there’s no scientific basis for eating French fries after an IVF transfer, the practice brings a sense of emotional comfort and tradition to many women, which can be very meaningful during the IVF journey. It’s a way to celebrate the completion of the transfer process and focus on positive outcomes. Women often post pictures of their post-transfer fries on social media, which fosters a sense of connection and support with others going through similar experiences.
How We Can Help
We provide IVF to parents using surrogacy and egg donation through our reputable clinic partners. Our team can guide you through the IVF surrogacy process and provide you with the support you need. If you have always wanted to start or expand your family, you have come to the right place. We pride ourselves on the highest-quality service at all times.
Click here to find out more about IVF. If you have specific questions and would like to speak with a member of the California Surrogacy Center team, please send us a message using the form below. We are always happy to speak with intended parents, surrogates or egg donors!