What is IVF?
World IVF Day is an opportunity to raise awareness for those couples who take the help of modern techniques like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to fulfill their dream of becoming parents. Since the birth of the first IVF baby in 1978, this technology has continuously developed. According to reports, between 1978 and 2018, about 93 lakh to 1.23 crore children were born worldwide with the help of IVF and ART.
It was most commonly used in Europe, Asia, and North America, while the use of ART technology increased rapidly in Asia, reaching nearly one-third of the world’s ART births by 2018. Today IVF has become a ray of hope for many couples.
However, its success does not depend only on the medical procedure, but the couple’s lifestyle, diet, mental health and some important healthy habits also play an important role in it. Before starting IVF, it is important to prepare both body and mind. Know from experts how to eat before and during IVF. Also, what should be the lifestyle?
Focus on diet and nutrition
Dr. Pratima Poddar (Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynecology Apollo Spectra Hospital) says that couples preparing for IVF should first pay attention to their diet and nutrition. By providing adequate nutrients to the body, hormonal balance remains better and reproductive health is supported. Eating green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, pulses, beans, eggs, nuts and seeds is beneficial. Nutrients like folic acid, vitamin D, iron, zinc and omega-3 are considered important for the fertility of both men and women.
It is very important to stay active
Exercise and active lifestyle are also an important part of IVF preparation. Experts say that light exercises like daily walking, yoga, pranayam and stretching can help in improving blood circulation in the body. Good physical activity reduces stress and improves the body’s metabolism. At the same time, very heavy workouts or excessive physical exertion should be avoided during IVF. However, both being overweight or being underweight can affect hormonal balance.
mental health
Taking care of mental health during the IVF journey is as important as physical health. The process of IVF is completed in several stages and couples may feel anxiety, stress or emotional pressure. Prolonged stress can cause hormonal changes in the body, which can affect health. In such a situation, meditation, adequate sleep, sharing your feelings with family or partner and taking help of a counselor if needed can be beneficial.
give up bad habits
Habits like smoking, alcohol and tobacco can harm the fertility of both men and women. These can affect the quality of eggs and sperm, which can reduce the chances of getting pregnant. Apart from this, excessive caffeine intake should also be limited.
Experts say that IVF is not just a medical process, but a path of hope, patience and proper care. Today’s modern techniques have made IVF safer and more effective than before. But for best results, couples should make positive changes in their lifestyle.
