What to eat before and during IVF

There are a lot of big promises online about “IVF superfoods”. This free guide sets out what the research actually shows, and simple ways to eat well through each stage of treatment. Food can’t guarantee an outcome, but it is one of the things you can influence, and that matters when so much feels out of your hands.

What the research says

Studies suggest that women who eat a Mediterranean-style diet, with plenty of vegetables, fruit, legumes, wholegrains, fish and olive oil, may have better pregnancy and live birth rates with IVF. The research is still early and not every study agrees, but the direction is consistent: whole, colourful, minimally processed food tends to come out on top.

The evidence doesn’t support single “miracle” foods, extreme diets, or cutting out whole food groups without a medical reason.

How far ahead to start

Eggs take around three months to mature, and sperm two to three months. That makes a few months a sensible lead time, although this hasn’t been tested in a trial.

A simple plate for most meals

  • Half your plate: vegetables and salad, in as many colours as you can.
  • A quarter: protein such as fish, chicken, eggs, legumes or tofu.
  • A quarter: wholegrains or starchy vegetables such as brown rice, quinoa, oats or potato.
  • A drizzle: extra virgin olive oil.

You don’t need to eat like you live in Greece. Just nudge most meals a little closer to this plate.

Eating through each stage

  • During stimulation: bloating is common, so smaller, regular meals can feel easier. Keep protein up and sip water through the day. Call your clinic straight away if you have severe bloating, pain, vomiting or trouble breathing.
  • Egg collection day: follow your clinic’s fasting instructions. Afterwards, go for simple, comforting food such as soup, eggs on toast or a smoothie, plus plenty of fluids.
  • Transfer and the two-week wait: eat as if you’re pregnant, with warm, balanced meals, regular eating and pregnancy food safety. This isn’t the time for a new diet or a detox.
  • Between cycles: be gentle with yourself and return to your foundations.

Worth knowing

  • Caffeine: keep it under 200mg a day, about two cups of coffee. Tea, cola and energy drinks count too.
  • Alcohol: Australian guidelines say the safest choice when planning a pregnancy is not to drink.
  • Food safety: the guide lists the listeria-risk foods to avoid and the high-mercury fish to limit.
  • Your partner: sperm quality counts too, and the same foundations apply.

The full guide is below. It’s free to read and download.

Sources: Karayiannis et al., Human Reproduction, 2018; NHMRC alcohol guidelines; Your Fertility; Food Standards Australia New Zealand. This page is general education and doesn’t replace advice from your fertility specialist.