If you're about to begin your first IVF cycle, you've probably gone over all the medical details with your physician. You're prepared for the treatment portion of this journey you've begun. However, you might not be prepared for the more personal side of the journey. Granted, it can be difficult to prepare for that aspect, but there are some things you can do to make the journey more comfortable, and less stressful. Here are four simple things you can do during your IVF cycles to help you through the process.
Ask Plenty of Questions
While you're going through IVF treatment, you're going to have a lot of questions. Don't be afraid to ask them. If you're worried that you won't remember your questions once you're sitting in the doctors office, write them down in a notebook. Keep your notebook handy, so that you can jot down questions, concerns, or other issues that you want to discuss with your doctor.
Get Ready for the Hunger Pangs
After your IVF treatment, you're going to be hungry; really hungry. Be prepared for that portion of the journey. Keep plenty of healthy snacks on hand; including in your car. Things like fresh fruits and veggies are the perfect snack foods during IVF treatment. However, don't forget to treat yourself once in a while. Keep one or two of your favorite snacks on hand for when those fresh fruits and veggies simply won't do.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
While you don't have to lock yourself away in a cocoon during your IVF treatment, you do need to relax and stay as stress-free as possible. One way to do that is to ask for help with some of your responsibilities. Make a list of the things you need to do each day, and enlist friends, family members, and co-workers, to pick up the slack for you. If you've only shared your IVF story with a few people, let those you've trusted take over for you.
Be Prepared for the Bloat
You might not realize this, but you're going to bloat during your IVF treatment. Your normal wardrobe might start feeling a little uncomfortable to wear. Go ahead and embrace your comfy clothes. Don't have stretchy pants, or loose-fitting shirts? Go out and pick a few up. You'll be glad you have your comfy clothes once you start experiencing the bloat.
Now that you're beginning your IVF journey, the tips provided here will help you prepare. For more information, contact a company like Missouri Center for Reproductive Medicine.
