12 replies to this topic

[AskingAngels]

I'm a little uncertain about acupuncture, but my acupuncturist suggested no cold fluids/foods (hard to do in the summer) and no sweets. My RE did not offer any dietary advice when I asked. I'm not sure I want to restrict myself so much without more stats. Any thoughts?

[amp77]

What I read is that cold foods take more energy to break down.  And you want to save that energy for the eggs to develop and implant.  Also, eggs and embryos like a warm environment but I can't imagine eating something cold really cools your insides down that much but, I am no expert!

 

As for sugar, mine also told me to stay away from it.  It causes blood sugar spikes which causes your endocrine system to produce insulin.  Your endocrine system is responsible for regulating all hormones so it can mess up your hormones if it is constantly working overdrive to try to regulate things.  Here is an article here that talks about sugar:  http://www.fertility...t-pregnant.html

 

All that being said, I didn't cut out sugar but I stopped having pop and ate less sweets but didn't cut it out completely.  I also think the "no cold foods" part is more important after ET.  When you want to have a nice, warm environment, and energy, for the embryo to implant.

 

You can go crazy trying to keep up with all the suggestions to improve fertility.

[Vanislandgirl]

It's a Chinese medicine/culture practice.  The pregnant Chinese teacher at my work, won't eat anything cold like ice cream, popsicles, slushy fruit teas ( bubble tea.) etc.

[Crazy]

I think if the foods and/or drinks you are consuming are cold enough to affect the temperature of your uterus you are going to have some serious stomach damage.

At the time of transfer/implantation your stomach and uterus are as far away from each other as possible. One is just under your rib cage and one is in your pelvis.

As for the energy for implantation, all of that actually comes from the embryo. And, our bodies actually try pretty hard to dissipate the heat generated by normal metabolic processes, especially in the summer, so don't worry about using too much energy warming the food.

I truly believe the best you can do it eat a healthy, varied diet. I had sugar in moderation (as amp said there is a concern about insulin spikes etc), cut back on processed foods, and made sure to take my prenatal vitamins while cycling.

amp is right, you will go nuts if you try to follow all of Dr. Google's advice for improving fertility. As for Chinese medicine, some of that stuff is batty sh*t crazy. (My husband is Chinese and he agrees). I cannot begin to describe the weird things my mother in law wanted me to do and eat.

Acupuncture can be great for stress relief and improving blood flow. Other than that do what makes sense to you and is going to make you feel good about your cycle. If you are going to regret not cutting out cold things it certainly isn't going to hurt to do it.

[AskingAngels]

Thanks ladies, I've been really skeptical and guess I just needed reassurance to go with my gut!

[Crazy]

The fear of doing something wrong over rides our common sense. I questioned everything I did. It's very normal to be second guessing everything. Just try and take care of yourself, physically and mentally.

[Makana]

Haha Crazy, your comment made me think of one of my cycles when the Dr said to relax after the ET for a few days....I had been super stressed because our basement/downstairs flooded & then my parents who knew nothing were coming into town. Anyway, after the transfer I had to pick up a few things at the store and rush home to make the guest bed and then rush to the airport. I lifted and lugged suitcases and hauled firewood upstairs....all in an effort to appear normal. And then I cried for days because I had surely messed up any chance...blah blah blah....well, that little emby is now almost 3 and is sleeping soundly n the next room. Point being....what is meant to be will be. Hot drinks cold drinks....be healthy and give them the best chance. Use common sense and relinquish all cotrol of the process.

[Crazy]

Giving up control is the hardest part. I think it would be better if the REs gave us a list of things to do. They can make up everything on the list, but at least we are doing something.

Day 1 - elevate your feet to waist level for 15 minutes every 8 hours.

Day 2 - lay on your left side a minimum of 15 minutes at least every 12 hours

Etc

It would be great. We would have tasks, things to accomplish during the 2ww.

[amp77]

Crazy - I think you can make up the list and put it on here for everyone.  Make sure to add things like, get your DH to rub your feet and back for 30 minutes each day, get DH to make you your favourite meal the day of ET, eat chocolate or cake at least twice  a week

[Crazy]

I like those ones.

I think going for a pedicure should be in there as well.

Maybe spend a minimum of 30 minutes a day watching trashy TV on Netflix.

[Makana]

Hahaha! I love it!!

[JacMac]

My acupuncturist also told me to cut out gluten and dairy during my IVF cycle. I did so mainly but snuck in a few treats here and there. Both are supposed to cause inflammation and cause issues with implantation of the embryos. As for cold drink I just left some water in a jug on the counter and drank that. I figured it didn't hurt to limit myself for a few weeks if it meant success.
But neither could have anticipated my adrenal Tumor.

[Crazy]

It really is what is going to make you feel good about your cycle.