> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://blog.foodandfertility.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # What to Eat During IVF: Nutrition Before Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer - URL: https://blog.foodandfertility.com/what-to-eat-during-ivf/ - Published: 2026-08-18T18:43:02.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-18T18:54:40.000Z - Description: Practical, evidence-based nutrition guidance for IVF, from ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval to embryo transfer and early pregnancy. - Author: Lorena Akerman MS, RD, CDN, CDCES Starting in vitro fertilization, or IVF, often brings questions about what to eat, what to avoid and whether certain foods can improve treatment success. There is no special food or perfect “IVF diet” that guarantees pregnancy. Nutrition can support your overall health, help you meet your nutrient needs and provide a strong foundation for treatment and early pregnancy. ## Want a simple place to start? Download the free [**Fertility Treatment Nutrition Starter Guide**](https://l.bttr.to/QaX67?ref=blog.foodandfertility.com) for practical nutrition priorities, a quick checklist and answers to common questions before and during fertility treatment. [Fertility Treatment Nutrition Starter Guide](https://l.bttr.to/QaX67?ref=blog.foodandfertility.com) ## ## What should you eat during IVF? Focus on a balanced eating pattern that includes: - Vegetables and fruit - Whole grains - Beans, lentils, nuts and seeds - Eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, dairy and other protein-rich foods - Olive oil, avocado and other unsaturated fats Research has explored whether Mediterranean-style eating may be associated with better IVF outcomes. Some studies have found potential benefits, while others have not. Overall, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend one specific diet for everyone undergoing IVF. The practical takeaway is to build balanced meals from a variety of nourishing foods rather than trying to follow a specific diet plan. Related: [**Mediterranean Diet and Fertility: What the Research Suggests**](https://blog.foodandfertility.com/mediterranean-diet-and-fertility/) ## Eat enough and eat regularly Fertility treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding, so avoid cutting out foods unless medically necessary or recommended by your healthcare team. Regular meals and snacks can help you: - Meet your energy and nutrient needs - Maintain more consistent energy - Manage nausea or changes in appetite A simple meal can include a protein food, a carbohydrate, vegetables or fruit and a source of fat. Related: [**The Fertility Plate: A Simple Framework for Eating to Support Fertility**](https://blog.foodandfertility.com/the-fertility-plate/) ## Nutrition during ovarian stimulation Hormonal medications used during ovarian stimulation may cause bloating, nausea, constipation or changes in appetite. If eating feels uncomfortable, try: - Smaller meals more often - Simple foods that are easy to tolerate - Protein-rich meals and snacks - Sipping fluids regularly throughout the day - Gentle movement for constipation, when approved by your clinic Fiber-rich foods may help with constipation, but increase them gradually. Adding too much fiber too quickly can worsen constipation, gas and bloating. Drink enough fluid as you increase fiber, unless your clinic gives you different instructions. Extra protein and electrolyte drinks are not routinely needed. Follow your fertility clinic’s recommendations. **Contact your clinic if you experience severe bloating, rapid weight gain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, reduced urination or significant pain. These may be signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and require medical guidance.** ## What to Eat Before and After Egg Retrieval Follow your clinic’s instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before egg retrieval and when it is safe to restart afterward. These instructions depend on the type of sedation or anesthesia used. Once your healthcare team says you can eat and drink, begin with foods and fluids that feel manageable. Options may include: - Yogurt with fruit - Eggs and toast - Soup with chicken or tofu - A smoothie with fruit and yogurt or milk - Crackers with cheese or nut butter - Rice or potatoes with a protein food Gradually return to your usual balanced meals as you feel able. ## What should you eat before and after embryo transfer? Embryo transfer usually does not require fasting, so you can typically eat normally beforehand. Follow your clinic’s instructions, particularly if sedation is planned. After the transfer, continue with regular, balanced meals. This is also a good time to begin following pregnancy food-safety recommendations: - Avoid raw or undercooked meat, seafood and eggs - Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and juice - Avoid refrigerated smoked seafood - Heat deli meats until steaming - Avoid fish that are high in mercury - Avoid raw sprouts - Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly Pineapple, pomegranate juice and other commonly promoted “implantation foods” have not been shown to improve implantation. You can enjoy them in moderation, as part of your usual eating pattern, but they are not required. ## What fish should you eat during IVF? Choose two to three servings of lower-mercury fish and seafood each week. Salmon, trout and sardines provide DHA, while shrimp and tilapia are additional lower-mercury choices. Related: [**Omega-3s Before Pregnancy: Why DHA Matters for Fertility and Early Pregnancy**](https://blog.foodandfertility.com/omega-3s-before-pregnancy/) ## What about caffeine and alcohol during IVF? A practical goal is to keep caffeine below 200 milligrams per day during fertility treatment and pregnancy. This includes caffeine from coffee, tea, energy drinks, soda and chocolate. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Consider avoiding alcohol during the treatment cycle, particularly once an embryo has been transferred. Follow any additional guidance from your fertility clinic. ## What about prenatal vitamins and fertility supplements? Continue the prenatal vitamin recommended by your healthcare team, which should provide at least 400 micrograms of folic acid unless they recommend a different amount. A prenatal vitamin can help fill important nutrient gaps, but it does not replace a varied eating pattern. Do not add herbs, antioxidants or fertility supplements without discussing them with your fertility specialist. Supplements may overlap with your prenatal vitamin, cause side effects or be inappropriate during certain stages of treatment. Related: [**How to Choose a Prenatal Vitamin When Trying to Conceive**](https://blog.foodandfertility.com/how-to-choose-a-prenatal-vitamin-when-trying-to-conceive/) ## Keep your IVF nutrition plan simple During IVF, focus on the basics: - Eat enough - Eat regularly - Build balanced meals - Include a variety of nutrient-rich foods - Stay hydrated - Follow your clinic’s instructions ## Keep this guidance handy Download the free [**Fertility Treatment Nutrition Starter Guide**](https://l.bttr.to/QaX67?ref=blog.foodandfertility.com) for key nutrition reminders and a simple checklist to use throughout treatment. [Fertility Treatment Nutrition Starter Guide](https://l.bttr.to/QaX67?ref=blog.foodandfertility.com) *This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition care. Follow the instructions provided by your fertility clinic and healthcare team.* ## References - American Society for Reproductive Medicine. [Optimizing Natural Fertility: A Committee Opinion](https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/optimizing-natural-fertility-a-committee-opinion-2021/?ref=blog.foodandfertility.com) - Sanderman EA, et al. [Female Dietary Patterns and Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Literature Review](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8764863/?ref=blog.foodandfertility.com) - U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [Advice About Eating Fish](https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish?ref=blog.foodandfertility.com) - U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [Food Safety for Pregnant Women](https://www.fda.gov/media/83740/download?ref=blog.foodandfertility.com)