Have you recently undergone your IUI procedure? Then this article is for you.
It is normal for you to feel confused and anxious about what to do and not do after an IUI procedure. You would have tried your best and given your all to reach this stage in your fertility treatment, so you would want to do everything you can to increase your chances of success.
In this article, we will look at some of the foods you can eat after IUI to increase your chances of IUI success. These foods are high in nutritional content and can help with embryo implantation and development.
Foods To Eat After IUI
There is no specific food you should eat after embryo transfer. As long as the food is healthy and not fried or processed, you can have them. However, there are certain foods that have nutrients that can help improve your chances of IUI success.
Below is a table depicting the category of essential nutrients you might need after IUI and the foods that contain them.
Category | Foods |
Protein Sources | Chicken breast, Lentils, Black beans, Tofu, Quinoa, Greek yogurt, Eggs, Almonds |
Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Salmon, Chia seeds, Walnuts, Flaxseeds, Hemp seeds, Sardines, Anchovies |
Complex Carbohydrates | Sweet potatoes, Brown rice, Quinoa, Oats, Whole grain pasta, Barley, Bulgur |
Hydration | Water, Cucumber, Watermelon, Strawberries, Celery, Oranges, Coconut water |
Foods Rich in Iron | Spinach, Lentils, Chickpeas, Quinoa, Turkey, Broccoli, Tofu |
Foods Rich in Calcium | Milk, Yogurt, Cheese, Kale, Broccoli, Almonds, Fortified plant-based milk |
Herbal Teas and Supplements | Green tea, Chamomile tea, Ginger tea, Turmeric supplements, Fish oil supplements, Echinacea |
Why These Foods & How Do They Impact IUI Success?
The above table lists out some foods you can have for each category nutrient. However, you might have a question. “Why should I add all those nutrients to my post-IUI diet? How will they help with its success?”
Read below to find out how each nutrient plays a role in your implantation and successful pregnancy.
Protein Sources
As you already know, proteins are the building blocks of your cells. They have amino acids which are necessary for cell repair and embryo development after IUI. They also support the development of the placenta and the baby’s tissue growth during pregnancy.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help with the development of the uterine lining, thus improving implantation rates. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight any inflammation you might get after insemination.
Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to improve egg and sperm health, which are essential for a successful IUI and a healthy baby.
Complex Carbohydrates
If you wish to add carbohydrates to your post-IUI diet, ensure they are complex carbohydrates and not refined carbohydrates (white bread, sugary foods, etc.)
Complex carbohydrates break down slowly, which helps with the steady release of glucose in the body and gives energy for a prolonged period. They also help maintain stable blood sugar and hormone levels.
Complex carbohydrates are also rich in fiber, which helps with digestion and promotes overall well-being.
Hydration
Hydration is key to a healthy body, whether it is for post-IUI success or just for your everyday life. Hydration helps maintain your overall health by preventing issues like fatigue, headache, and constipation.
Adding more liquid to your diet also helps with the transportation of nutrients throughout your body, including the reproductive system. This help with embryo development.
Staying hydrated also helps blood expel toxins through urine and prevents urinary tract infections (UTIs). To stay adequately hydrated after IUI, aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Foods Rich In Iron
Iron is one of the essential nutrients you should add to your post-IUI diet. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, which can lead to complications like fatigue and weakness. Your body needs adequate energy after IUI for implantation and pregnancy. So, ensure you add sufficient iron to your diet.
Iron also improves hemoglobin levels in your body and facilitates oxygen delivery to your reproductive organs. This gives the uterus enough blood supply to nourish and grow the embryo.
Foods Rich In Calcium
You must already know about calcium and its effect on your bone health. So, if you are expecting to get pregnant, your bone health is very essential to sustain the pregnancy. Calcium also helps with improving muscle health, which is also essential during pregnancy.
Herbal Teas And Supplements
Herbal teas and supplements are good alternatives for caffeinated drinks like coffee and other beverages. Not only are they caffeine-free, but they also have health benefits to the body and aid digestion.
Chamomile or lavender tea can relax your mind and body and have a calming effect. This can relieve you of stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned foods are some of the best foods you can have after your IUI success. All these foods are nutritious and will help you increase your chances of IUI success.
If you have any doubts or concerns regarding what you should and should not do after an IUI procedure, don’t hesitate to contact your fertility hospital. Clear your doubts and navigate your IUI journey without any fears or anxiety.
FAQs
Ensure you avoid the foods below to increase your chances of success.
- Red meat
- Processed foods
- Baked goods
- Excess sugary or spicy foods
- Sweetened or carbonated drinks
- Junk or fried foods
- Fish with high mercury content
It is best to wait at least 10–14 days (approximately 2 weeks) before you take a pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy. These two weeks will give the egg enough time to get fertilized and implant into the uterine lining.
After an IUI procedure, you can expect to have pregnancy symptoms approximately two weeks later. By this time, implantation would have happened, and your body would have released enough hCG hormones to cause all these symptoms.
