What to Avoid Before Embryo Transfer

Foods to limit the week before embryo transfer include: 

• Red meat and its products: Should be limited to once or twice a week and thoroughly cooked to avoid affecting implantation.
• White and refined foods: Such as white bread, white rice, white pasta, and white sugar; better to substitute with whole grains and natural sweeteners.
• Alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol should be completely avoided from four weeks before transfer, and caffeine limited to about 200 mg per day (roughly one cup of coffee).
• Artificial sweeteners and refined sugar: These can negatively impact the IVF process and blood sugar stability.
• Salt: Limit daily salt intake to below 6 grams to avoid high blood pressure risk.
• Raw seafood and mercury-rich fish: Avoid sushi, swordfish, shark, and other high-mercury fish; consume only well-cooked fish 1-2 times a week.
• Certain cheeses and unpasteurized dairy: Avoid blue, soft cheeses and unpasteurized milk due to infection risk; yogurt and whole milk are recommended.
• Raw eggs: To prevent foodborne illness.
• Processed foods and soy-containing products: These can disrupt hormone balance and should be avoided.
• Allergenic foods: Avoid foods that cause allergies such as tomatoes, kiwis, eggplants, and strawberries as immune reactions may affect embryo implantation.

Overall, focus on a balanced, nutrient-rich diet with lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats while limiting the above foods to create the optimal environment for implantation and early pregnancy success.