Embryo transfer is a very important procedure where the developed embryos are transferred into the mother’s uterus for implantation and pregnancy. You must maintain good health to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
One of the main questions you might have about the foods you can take after embryo transfer is, “Can I eat chicken after embryo transfer?” This is a common question many people have.
The answer is yes, you can have chicken after embryo transfer. Continue reading this article to understand how chicken can benefit your body and learn some foods you can and cannot eat after embryo transfer.
Can I Eat Chicken after Embryo Transfer?
Yes, you can eat chicken after embryo transfer. Chicken is a healthy lean protein source that you can add to your post-embryo transfer diet.
Chicken provides the essential amino acids, iron, Vitamin B12, and other nutrients essential for the embryo’s growth and development.
However, you should avoid processed and deep-fried chicken. You can instead eat steamed, grilled, or baked chicken. This will let you make the most of the nutrients in chicken.
All the Best for your IVF Journey !
Foods to Eat After IVF Embryo Transfer
So, what other foods can you take other than chicken? Below are the foods you can eat after an embryo transfer to maintain optimal health for pregnancy and baby development.
1. Whole grains
Couples undergoing treatment often have questions about whether it’s okay to eat rice after an embryo transfer, Whole grains are abundant in carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and other essential nutrients that are important for a healthy and successful pregnancy. Take brown rice, for example.
The vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients available in it make it a versatile choice while incorporating whole grains into your diet. You can try brown rice, whole-grain bread, and quinoa, Remember to balance your food intake to ensure you get a variety of nutrients.
2. Lean proteins
The lean proteins present in meat are essential for developing the baby’s tissues, muscles, and organs. Here are a few choices of lean proteins.
- Chicken breast: They are rich in protein, vitamin B, iron, and zinc, without any extra fat.
- Fish: Fish like salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids that can support the baby’s brain development. (Ensure you avoid fish with high mercury content.)
3. Dairy products
Dairy foods can provide the mother with essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and Vitamin D. Some dairy products you can include in your diet are Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and skimmed milk.
4. Healthy fats
All fats are not bad for your health. Some healthy fats are essential for your baby’s brain and heart health. Some healthy fats to be included in your diet are olive oil, salmon, nuts, and seeds.
5. Fruits and veggies
Including healthy fruits and vegetables in your post-embryo transfer diet can provide you with a myriad of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. All these are essential to sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Some fruits and vegetables you can include are
- leafy vegetables like spinach and kale,
- berries like strawberries and blueberries and
- avocado.
Foods to Avoid After IVF Embryo Transfer
Now that you know what foods you can take after an embryo transfer, let’s look at the foods you should avoid after the procedure.
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1. Processed foods
Processed foods are high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and other additives that are harmful to the baby. They can negatively affect the success rate of implantation.
Some processed foods you should avoid include fast foods, packaged foods (chips, cookies, etc.), and canned meals.
2. Excess caffeine
Try to avoid caffeine during this period. Moderate caffeine is safe, but too much caffeine can affect pregnancy.
So, limit the intake of caffeine-rich products like coffee, energy drinks, and black tea.
3. Excess sugar
Foods that have too much sugar can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other serious complications. Try avoiding foods and drinks with excess sugar content. Examples: sodas, sugary cereals, and candies.
4. Raw and undercooked foods
Eating raw and undercooked foods can lead to food-related issues like food poisoning, diarrhea, etc., which can harm you and your baby’s health. Some raw foods to avoid are raw eggs, sushi, raw meat, etc.
5. Alcohol, smoking, drugs
These habits are a “must avoid” during IVF treatments as they can seriously impact your outcomes. Doctors usually suggest patients quit these habits altogether at least 3 months before starting IVF treatments.
Benefits of diet after embryo transfer
Diet is one of the most important factors that you should take note of during IVF treatments. A healthy, balanced diet has countless benefits for you and your baby. Below are some of them.
1. You get all the necessary nutrients
Eating a balanced diet gives you all the essential nutrients your body needs during pregnancy. So, draft a diet plan that ensures your food has all the necessary nutrients like protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Ensures healthy embryo development
Not only the mother but the embryo also benefits from a balanced diet. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and folic acid help with embryo development.
3. Improves overall health
Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet is one of the lifestyle factors that you need to follow during IVF treatments. It can improve your overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
Whether you are undergoing or not, maintaining a healthy diet will always be beneficial for your body. Symptoms like Tender or sore breasts, vomiting legpain after embryo transfer could be avoided by consuming helathy foods. If you still have doubts about what to eat and what not to eat after an embryo transfer, consult your fertility doctor and understand which foods will be best for you and your baby.
FAQs
Yes, you can eat chicken after embryo transfer. Chicken is a healthy lean protein source that you can add to your post-embryo transfer diet.
Chicken provides the essential amino acids, iron, Vitamin B12, and other nutrients essential for the embryo’s growth and development.
However, you should avoid processed and deep-fried chicken. You can instead eat steamed, grilled, or baked chicken. This will let you make the most of the nutrients in chicken.
After embryo transfer, foods high in protein that can be included in your diet are fish, tofu, beans, cheese, milk, almonds, legumes, and sprouts. However, red meat and eggs should always be consumed in moderation.
Avoid eating things like raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs that could be contaminated with bacteria. It goes without saying that using tobacco products and drinking alcohol can reduce your chances of becoming pregnant following embryo transfer. All of them, including secondhand smoke, should be avoided.
After the embryo transfer, you are free to return to work the next day. You can go up and down stairs following the procedure because there is no requirement for complete bed rest. You might also commute within the city for your regular work.
As long as you don’t do any strenuous activity like tough exercises, carrying heavy weights, etc., you are free to be as physically active as you want.