What to eat before an embryo transfer. Recommended diet.

IVF, or in vitro fertilisation, is a complex and often emotional process for couples struggling with infertility.

Embryo transfer is the final part of an assisted reproduction cycle and the most desirable. It involves placing the embryo into the uterus after endometrial preparation. Embryo transfers can be from fresh embryos or from a frozen embryo.

The implantation of the embryo in the uterus is a delicate and mysterious phase. Many couples are unaware that a healthy lifestyle is one of the first steps to facilitate implantation and increase the chances of a successful procedure.

Pre-preparation weeks and days before

The transfer is a key step, so weeks beforehand we can start preparing ourselves.

Although the endometrium is essential, so is a healthy lifestyle.  To achieve this it is necessary:

• Keep a healthy diet: Eating a good, healthy and balanced diet is essential for an optimal environment and to maintain proper weight control.

• Drinking enough water to stay hydrated is essential to maintain good blood circulation and promote an optimal environment for embryo implantation.

• Avoid harmful substances to the body and use substances such as organic or natural soaps without chemicals and environmentally friendly cleaning products.

• Adequate rest: Make sure you get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can negatively affect the immune system and hormonal balance, both of which are crucial before an embryo transfer. Ideally, we should get 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

• Stress management: Try to stay positive. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help reduce stress and prepare the body for the transfer.

• Keep active: Physical activity is beneficial to overall health, but it is important to find the right balance. 30 minutes a day of gentle physical exercise such as walking or yoga are excellent choices. Exercise helps reduce stress, improves blood circulation and contributes to optimal fitness.

Embryo transfer day

The most important day has arrived. That morning, get up and shower as usual, have a balanced breakfast, go to the clinic early enough and remember to drink enough water to be able to see better the moment of the transfer through the ultrasound. Come calm and relaxed, it is a painless process and a very exciting moment you should enjoy.

Once the transfer is finished, all that remains is to wait. We advise you to lie down and relax for a few minutes, about 10 minutes is enough. After this time you can go back home and lead a normal life. Although it is not necessary to rest at home after an embryo transfer, we do recommend that you do not exercise intensely and that you follow a healthy lifestyle and eat something light so that you do not feel sick after eating that day.

Recommended food before the embryo transfer

It is important to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet to support reproductive health and the success of the procedure.

Here are some of the recommended foods:

• Include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamins and essential minerals such as blueberries, strawberries, spinach, carrots and tomatoes.

• Whole grains: opt for whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa and oats, which provide fibre and important nutrients, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and promote hormone balance.

• Foods rich in omega-3 (salmon, nuts, pulses).

• Lean proteins: such as chicken, fish, tofu and pulses, which provide essential amino acids.

• Healthy fats: Incorporate healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil, which provide essential fatty acids and help reduce inflammation.

• Dairy products or derivatives: Consume low-fat dairy products or dairy alternatives as a source of calcium and vitamin D, essential nutrients for reproductive health.

• Foods rich in folic acid: Include foods such as green leafy vegetables, beans and fortified cereals, which are important for foetal development.

Not recommended foods and substances

There are substances and products that should be avoided weeks before the transfer because of their harmful effect on fertility and can also have a negative impact on both implantation and pregnancy.

• Avoid contact with insecticides. These may contain toxic chemicals that could adversely affect treatment.

• Avoid environments with high pollution and contamination: Areas with high pollution may contain harmful substances in the environment such as sulphur dioxide or nitrogen. These substances can interfere with hormonal balance and can also cause oxidative stress leading to direct damage to reproductive cells (eggs, sperm and embryos).

• Avoid using nail polish and perfumes, as they contain chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde and phthalates that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and increase the risk of hormonal disruptions, fertility problems and complications during pregnancy. Most experts suggest avoiding these products at least 24-48 hours before the procedure.

In addition, there are a number of foods that should be avoided as they are also detrimental to fertility and may alter reproductive success.

• Limit caffeine, stimulant drinks and tea consumption as they contain stimulants and also generate acidity.

• Tobacco and alcohol should be avoided because of their negative impact on implantation and general health.

• Processed and ultra-processed foods: Reduce intake of foods high in trans fats, added sugars and unhealthy additives, such as fried foods (battered), pastries and fast food (pizza, hamburger), which can negatively affect fertility.

• Oily fish: risk of accumulation of mercury, a heavy metal found in higher levels in some types of large fish such as tuna, swordfish, shark and mackerel. Mercury is toxic and can reduce the quality of eggs and make fertilisation or embryo implantation difficult.

• Canned food or packaged in plastic with BPA: BPA stands for bisphenol A, an industrial chemical. BPA can be found in plastics, such as water bottles and by coating the inside of metal products, such as food cans. High exposure to bisphenol A can cause effects on foetuses, babies and children.

• Some cereals such as rice and wheat may contain cadmium, a heavy metal. This is due to contaminations in farm soils. Exposure to large amounts can alter ovarian function, affect egg quality and decrease the likelihood of conception.

Can I take probiotics before a transfer?  

Taking probiotics before an embryo transfer is generally considered safe and may in fact be beneficial in certain cases. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain the flora balance and strengthen the immune system, which can have positive effects on overall health and reproductive well-being.

Conclusions

The key before an embryo transfer is to maintain a balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients for reproductive health and avoid foods that may alter the hormonal balance or compromise the environment for the embryo. Hydration, folic acid, lean protein and healthy fats should be part of your eating plan, while processed foods, refined sugars, alcohol and tobacco, among others, should be avoided. In addition, maintaining physical and mental wellness can help the procedure to be successful.

Remember to always consult with your doctor or specialist nutritionist so that the diet is personalised to your specific needs and conditions.

Dr Cecilia Quetglas (associate MD number 70848200), Gynaecologist specialising in reproductive medicine at Instituto Bernabeu Madrid.