At Dexeus Fertility, we continue working as usual throughout December – except on public holidays – in consultations, laboratories, and operating theatres: we carry out egg retrievals, egg freezing for fertility preservation, ultrasound monitoring of ovarian stimulation treatments, and embryo transfers. Therefore, it is likely that one of these key stages of your fertility treatment may fall right in the middle of the Christmas season. If you are concerned about any potential impact on your treatment, or whether you should behave as if you were already pregnant and take precautions during celebrations and commitments, here are some guidelines that might help.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Our doctors work in shifts and on-call, as in any hospital, so if you need a consultation, a member of our medical team will be available to assist you.
The scheduling of diagnostic tests, waiting times, and the overall procedure will continue as usual.
You may need to cope with the additional emotional stress that often comes with this time of year. On the bright side, if you have some days off, you will have extra time to rest, and if your partner or family are also off, let them pamper you and delegate some of your responsibilities!
A common question among patients undergoing an IVF cycle is whether they should behave as if they were already pregnant and take precautionary measures, including adhering to a pregnancy-specific diet.
Although it is always advisable to keep a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol, pregnancy-specific recommendations generally apply from the embryo transfer stage or following a positive pregnancy test. ‘At our centre, we provide a range of nutritional and exercise guidelines for IVF patients, both to support recovery after more invasive procedures, such as egg retrieval, and to reduce the risk of infections during pregnancy, such as toxoplasmosis or listeria, which can be linked to certain foods that should be avoided’, explains Dr Marina Solsona, a gynaecologist specialising in Reproductive Medicine at Dexeus Mujer. ‘Although rare, if these infections occur during pregnancy, they can affect foetal development, which is why prevention is important’, she adds. This post offers some helpful guidelines, but remember: always consult your gynaecologist if you have any doubts, for your own peace of mind.

RECOMMENDATIONS

During Ovarian Stimulation


Activity: You can carry on with your usual activities, but it is best to avoid vigorous physical exercise. Although the risk of ovarian torsion is minimal at this stage, the ovaries do increase in size, so prudence is advised.
Nutritional guidelines: No special diet is required, but maintaining healthy eating habits is recommended.
Tobacco and alcohol: Best avoided.
Avoid NSAIDs: You should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (i.e. those that reduce fever and inflammation and relieve pain), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen

After egg retrieval

Activity: You should be accompanied and not drive after the procedure. Rest is recommended for the following 24–48 hours. While it is not necessary to remain in bed all the time, but you should alternate between lying down and sitting on the sofa. Afterwards, you can do gentle exercises, such as Pilates or yoga stretches (excluding inversions). Swimming and taking baths should be avoided for at least a week to minimise the risk of infection.
Nutritional guidelines: During the first 24 hours, it is recommended to drink only water and non-stimulant, sugar-free beverages. Ginger, fennel, rooibos, and chamomile teas are suitable. It is advisable to follow a healthy diet and limit salt intake. Lemon, lime, and apple cider vinegar may be used as seasonings.
Avoid NSAIDs: You should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

After embryo transfer and during the Beta-hCG waiting period

Activity: Following the embryo transfer, you should avoid strenuous or high-impact exercise, as well as lifting heavy objects. Also, avoid taking baths, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs.
Nutritional guidelines: Certain foods may heighten the risk of infections that could negatively impact pregnancy, so they should be avoided.
To prevent toxoplasmosis: Avoid raw or undercooked meat, peel and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them, wear gloves when gardening or handling soil, and if you have a cat, wash your hands carefully and avoid cleaning its litter box.
To prevent cytomegalovirus: If you have young children, avoid contact with body fluids such as urine and saliva, practice regular hand hygiene (especially after nappy changes), and avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils or hygiene products.
To prevent listeria: Avoid eating soft cheeses or those made from unpasteurised milk, smoked foods, or pâtés. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food, respect expiry dates on refrigerated products, and do not consume reheated pre-packaged meals.
Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are contraindicated.