But it is important to keep in mind that chocolate and sweets are all empty calories and without nutrition. Also may cause developed pregnancy diabetes. Limiting chocolate and sweets consumption is a good idea after embryo transfer.
It contains the amino acid, arginine
Arginine has a positive impact on the egg and sperm. The increased blood flow creates healthier lining of the womb which helps embryo implantation. Also, more blood flow in the ovary helps follicle growth, as well as the egg, by bringing better nutrition.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid After IVF
The alcohol and the high sugar content are bad for your health and bad for the embryo that's been implanted. We also advise patients to avoid processed foods, junk food, processed meats, and soft cheeses.
Eat well – and get lots of rest (but not too much). The two week wait isn't pleasant – we can all agree on that. Emotions and nerves can, if you let them, get the better of you. But avoid that chocolate cake, ditch the caffeine and put the wine back in the fridge.
According to the texts, dark chocolate may promote increased blood flow and embryo implantation, both of which are well-known benefits. Furthermore, it may benefit pregnant women who are looking for ways to boost their fertility. Dark chocolate contains nutrients that can aid in fertilization.
Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, and is actually very nutritious in small quantities. Antioxidants help with the quality of both sperm and egg cells, so it's a good choice for both men and women who are trying to conceive.
High blood sugar, for example, is a reason why an embryo sometimes fails to implant in the uterus. According to the American Diabetes Association, high glucose levels may increase a woman's chance of miscarriage by as much as 30 to 60 percent.
All chocolate (milk, dark and white) is safe to eat in early pregnancy, in moderation. You should cut back on chocolate in the third trimester. Chocolate contains caffeine, so you should monitor your intake.
It is within this time frame that an embryo has to “attach” to the uterine wall before it can fully implant, which may take several days. Therefore, for the first one to two days, stay home and chill out. Avoid vigorous activities such as heavy lifting, bending or exercise.
Foods to avoid during implantation
Reduce intake of red meat – A high consumption of red meat can have a negative effect on implantation rates. Avoid alcohol – Alcohol can disrupt your hormone levels which can have a direct impact on implantation.
Snacking on McDonald's French Fries After Egg Retrieval
The myth that eating McDonald's French fries boosts fertility comes from a recommendation by doctors for people with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (a potential complication of IVF) to consume more salty foods after egg retrieval.
Finally, the flavonoids (compounds found in plants that promote health) in dark chocolate also promote good moods and encourage blood flow to the uterus and ovaries.
You may encounter some recommendations to avoid dark chocolate when trying to conceive due to its caffeine content. But the amount of caffeine you'll get from 1-2 squares is absolutely nothing to fret about, especially if your overall caffeine consumption is < 200mg/day.
Avocados and bananas are packed with minerals, vitamins, essential fats, protein, carbohydrate, fibre and are a fantastic source of vitamin E; which can improve endometrial lining (lining of the uterus) and could as well help with embryo implantation which is how a fertilised egg develops into a pregnancy.
This all has to do with wishing people luck that the embryo will “stick” to the uterus. So, grab a bowl of pineapples, put on your green socks (or yellow or orange!) and turtle necklace and have a successful embryo transfer.
Foods to eat after IVF embryo transfer
Eating leafy greens, broccoli, and sprouts, for protein try eggs, beans, yogurt, fish, and nuts, and for fiber eat oats and other whole grains. The idea is to eat foods that are full of protein, high fiber, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.
The best advice is common sense: eat healthily, avoid cigarette smoke, exercise gently, and try some relaxation techniques. You don't need to confine yourself to bed, but you should go easy on yourself, as you're going through a lot – both physically and emotionally.
Eating chocolate during pregnancy is safe in moderation, and can offer benefits like reduced stress and antioxidants. Dark chocolate is linked to lower risks of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. Be cautious of chocolate's caffeine and sugar content, as excessive amounts can be harmful to the fetus.
Avoid raw, undercooked or contaminated seafood
To avoid harmful bacteria or viruses in seafood: Avoid raw fish and shellfish. Examples of raw or undercooked foods to avoid include sushi, sashimi, ceviche and raw oysters, scallops or clams. Avoid refrigerated, uncooked seafood.
High simple sugar intake during gestation may contribute to an excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) as well as to develop other pregnancy complications such as GDM, preeclampsia and preterm birth.
Screen for underlying health conditions – Sometimes underlying health conditions can prevent an embryo from implanting. These can include uterine problems, hormonal issues, thyroid problems, diabetes, and many others. Even a prior infection can cause implantation troubles.
A Japanese study found that the more sugar women consumed in the months leading up to an IVF cycle, the poorer their egg quality was. Men who have high blood sugar were found to have higher levels of sperm DNA damage, a factor that can negatively impact chances of conception and increase the likelihood of miscarriage.
Sugar's links to endometriosis
Sugar isn't just hard on your fertility because of its impact on fat levels. It can also contribute to endometriosis – a condition where cells from the lining of the womb migrate to other parts of the body, and affects around 1.5 million women in the UK.