The period after undergoing IVF treatment is extremely exciting and stressful at the same time for all patients. On the one hand, they longingly await a small miracle in the belly, with a subconsciously flashing what-if light. In an effort to do everything they can to increase their chances of getting pregnant and possibly not harming the potential fetus, they are looking for answers to various questions: Can I consume all the foods I normally eat? Do I have to give up coffee too? What about sex? We asked these and many other questions directly to MUDr. Katarína Balasičová, PhD.
- Can I drink alcohol, coffee or smoke cigarettes after IVF?
Every patient after artificial insemination should already behave as if she were pregnant. This means that alcohol, cigarettes or drugs should be clearly excluded. The negative effect of coffee on pregnancy has not yet been scientifically proven, but it is recommended to drink no more than two cups a day. However, if it is not possible to suddenly reduce caffeine intake, try gradually switching to decaffeinated coffee.
- Are there foods I need to avoid after IVF?
In general, a healthy lifestyle is recommended. Certainly, if you have a confirmed pregnancy, you should avoid foods that are not recommended in pregnancy – e.g. certain mouldy cheeses, seafood, cured meats, etc. In case you don’t know yet if you are pregnant at all, there are no explicitly forbidden specific foods. However, it is important to eat a healthy diet with a balanced intake of proteins, fats, sugars, plenty of vitamins, folic acid and definitely maintain a reasonable weight.
- Can I be sexually active after IVF?
Sexual intercourse is not recommended in some patients at the end of hormonal stimulation because of enlarged ovaries. However, if necessary, sexual intercourse must be gentle, gentle so as not to damage them. However, sexual activity should definitely be avoided during the period of planned egg retrieval or embryo insertion. Therefore, sexual intercourse is recommended only after a certain period of time after the performed procedures. Even then, only if you feel physically fine and are free of any discomfort.
- Is spotting after IVF common?
Spotting can occur during the period of expected menstruation, respectively. when a woman is due to come in for a pregnancy hormone HCG test. Although bleeding is usually a sign that IVF has been unsuccessful and menstruation is starting naturally, this does not have to be the rule. Even if pregnancy is achieved, spotting or light bleeding may occur. In any case, any bleeding in a pregnant woman should be consulted and evaluated by a physician at an assisted reproduction center or a district gynecologist.
- Can I fly on a plane after IVF?
When flying, one has to take into account several factors to which a woman is exposed – radiation load on the body, change in altitude or pressure fluctuations. After IVF, we recommend avoiding long flights in particular, as this can often lead to complications in pregnancy, most often in the sense of spontaneous miscarriage. We also advise patients not to plan a holiday or business trip that requires even a short flight in the time after IVF. However, these are not such a problem within Europe, but if it’s not necessary, it’s better to postpone the flight until later, ideally in the second trimester.
- Can I go to a sauna, swimming pool or spa after IVF?
In the period when hormonal stimulation is taking place, it is definitely recommended to avoid sauna and warm baths due to overheating of the body. On the contrary, swimming in the pool is not expressly forbidden, but only if you do not suffer from frequent infections. However, definitely avoid swimming pools if you are fresh from egg retrieval or embryo insertion.
- Can I play active sports after IVF?
It should be remembered that after hormonal stimulation, the ovaries are enlarged and fragile. Increased physical exertion is definitely not recommended in order to avoid mechanical damage to the ovaries. So, leave running, jumping, aerobic exercises or lifting heavy weights out of sports for a while. Beware of abrupt changes in movement. And if you happen to be thinking of a holiday by the sea or in the mountains, it is better to choose a more suitable time than periods of hormonal stimulation. Even such a hike in the Tatra Mountains is considered a physical exertion that could harm you just after IVF. But if you can’t give up movement, gentle exercise like yoga or light, easy walks won’t hurt.
- Can I do normal household chores after IVF?
As with playing sports, it is also important not to exert increased physical effort when doing household chores. Therefore, in this respect, take care of yourself and perform only the most necessary and light household chores. Do not forget to wear protective gloves.
- Can I go out in the sun or to the solarium after IVF?
It is also true that after IVF, both sunlight and tanning beds should be avoided. Typical sunbathing and lying on the beach is not advisable after hormonal stimulation or in pregnancy itself. There is a risk of overheating of the body, dehydration, some sensitive women are more susceptible to the appearance of pigment spots. If you can’t avoid being in the sun, we recommend light breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and a UV-filtering cream. However, we do not recommend any patient who is planning hormonal stimulation, egg retrieval and subsequent embryo transfer to plan a holiday at that time, whether in a warm environment, by the sea, etc., but also a more “active” one with hiking, respectively. another sporting activity. Similarly, we do not recommend visiting a tanning bed after IVF.
- Can I dye my hair after IVF?
There is no definitive answer, but we recommend that women avoid dyeing their hair at least in the first trimester. It is wise for women who care about their appearance to have their hair coloured before the IVF cycle itself, so that they do not have to deal with this dilemma in early pregnancy.
- Can I be in contact with animals after IVF?
Pets that you are in daily contact with and that are monitored by a veterinarian are not dangerous to you. Of course, we do not recommend petting strange animals. In any case, you don’t have to limit contact with pets.
- Am I in danger after IVF if I come into contact with someone who has smallpox?
A woman who has had smallpox in childhood does not have to worry about the consequences. Smallpox antibodies are found in her blood. However, if you are aware that you have not had smallpox in childhood, contact with an infected person should be avoided, even in the period after artificial insemination and during pregnancy.
