Any woman’s goal during pregnancy should be to prioritize her own health and that of her baby. Most women understand that staying away from alcohol and tobacco are important during pregnancy, but what else can be done to ensure a healthy pregnancy following a successful in vitro fertilization procedure?
Many people choose to undergo acupuncture treatments before starting in vitro fertilization or before trying to get pregnant. Acupuncture practitioners often recommend starting acupuncture three to six months before fertility treatment, and some choose to undergo one session right before and right after treatment. In terms of pregnancy, many choose to continue acupuncture in the first three months of pregnancy, as this is the period in which most miscarriages occur.
Yoga can be a great way to improve your fertility. Stress can have a negative impact on fertility, and yoga can help you relax. Yoga may also be beneficial during pregnancy. It can help you adjust to your pregnancy, and relieve stress both physical and emotional.
When pregnant, it’s important to be mindful of the types of yoga poses you’re doing and to take precautions to avoid any that may be harmful to you or your baby. Poses that should be avoided after the first trimester include those that require you to lie on your back and any that stretch the muscles too much. Additionally, it’s best not to practice yoga in a hot room. The best piece of advice for practicing yoga during pregnancy is to seek out a class that is specifically for pregnant women and to let the instructor know that you are pregnant and which trimester you are in.
An overlooked, but crucial element of pregnancy nutrition is water – staying hydrated not only benefits you but also helps to carry essential nutrients from the food you eat to your baby. Another key part of getting all the nutrients you need during pregnancy is protein, as well as carbohydrates, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, B6, B12 and D. It’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough folic acid. You should limit your intake of fat during pregnancy.
However, there are certain foods you should avoid while pregnant, including raw or undercooked meats, eggs and poultry, fish high in mercury, unpasteurized milk, caffeine, soft cheeses, unwashed vegetables, raw shellfish and smoked seafood. If you’re unsure of what diet to adopt while pregnant, fertility clinics usually offer nutritional counseling that can help guide you. Additionally, alcohol should be avoided altogether during pregnancy.
It’s important to remember that when you’re pregnant, you’re not just eating for yourself anymore. What you consume during pregnancy will have a direct impact on the health of your child, so it’s important to be mindful of your diet and make sure you’re getting the right nutrients for you and your baby. This is especially true if you’re pregnant through IVF. By being conscious of what you’re putting into your body, you can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
