Wellbeing · 6 min read
An IVF cycle is a lot — physically, emotionally, logistically. This isn't a guide to doing it 'perfectly'; it's a gentle reminder that small, repeatable kindnesses to yourself matter far more than getting everything right.
The weeks before a cycle are a good time to put gentle foundations in place — not to overhaul your life. Aim for regular sleep, a broadly Mediterranean-style diet, daily movement you enjoy, and a folic acid supplement (and vitamin D in winter). If you smoke, this is the moment to stop; alcohol is best minimised for both partners.
Just as important: tell one or two people what's happening, and give yourself permission to step back from events that will be hard.
Your ovaries will gradually enlarge and may feel heavy, tender or bloated — this is expected. Comfortable clothing, plenty of water, gentle walking and rest help. Avoid intense exercise, deep twists, heavy lifting and contact sports during this phase, as enlarged ovaries are more vulnerable to twisting.
If you experience severe pain, rapid bloating, breathlessness or a sudden drop in urine output, contact your clinic straight away — these can be signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which needs prompt assessment.
Egg collection is a short procedure under sedation. Plan for a very quiet day after, with someone with you. Mild cramping and spotting are normal. Stick to gentle movement only for a few days, and rest more than you think you need to.
The wait between embryo transfer and your pregnancy test is, for most people, the hardest part of a cycle. A few things tend to help:
Keep life moving gently. Carry on with normal light activity, walking, work if you're up to it. Strict bed rest doesn't improve outcomes and tends to make the wait feel longer.
Limit symptom-checking. Early pregnancy symptoms, period symptoms and progesterone side-effects can feel identical. Googling each twinge usually makes the wait harder, not easier.
Protect your information diet. Step back from forums and social media if they're winding you up. Pick one or two trusted sources and leave the rest.
Plan kind things into the week. A walk, a film, a meal with someone safe — small anchors in an unsettled time.
A negative test, or an early loss, is a real grief — not an overreaction. Give yourself proper time before making decisions about the next cycle. Your clinic should offer a follow-up review, and you can access specialist counselling through the British Infertility Counselling Association or peer support through Fertility Network UK.
Partners often feel sidelined during IVF and unsure how to help. The simplest things — coming to appointments, taking on the mental load of admin and reminders, asking how today feels rather than how the cycle is going — tend to mean the most.
Whatever stage you're at, you're not alone in this. If you'd like to talk through your treatment with us, you can get in touch here.
