How to prepare for IVF: A checklist for your body, mind, and spirit
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In this article
My journey to IVF: Why preparation is everything What is IVF? A simple 4-step overview Preparing your body for IVF: The physical checklist Emotional and spiritual preparation for IVF Managing IVF medications: A practical system Creating your IVF comfort & injection kit Stress-reduction and self-care during your cycle Talking with family & friends about your treatment Navigating a failed IVF cycle Celebrating an IVF pregnancy Final words of encouragement FAQs: How to prepare for IVF Related articles
My journey to IVF: Why preparation is everything
My husband and I spent years awaiting the stork. Our journey was a winding road of clinics, obsessive Googling, and clinging to faith when science felt shaky. There were moments I was certain our dream of holding our own baby would stay just that—a dream.
This guide details exactly how to prepare for IVF. It’s part science, part heart, and a whole lot of lived experience, designed to be the resource I wish I’d had.
Before we dive in, I want to honor the pioneers of IVF. Jean Purdy, often called the mother of IVF, alongside Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe, changed history. Without their courage, our son Owen wouldn’t be here. If you don’t know their story, I highly recommend JOY – The Birth of IVF on Netflix. It’s a moving tribute to what they made possible.
What is IVF? A simple 4-step overview
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) might sound futuristic, but the process is quite straightforward. Think of it as a carefully choreographed plan to give you the best chance of conception.
Ovarian stimulation: You'll use medications to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, instead of the usual one per month.
Egg retrieval: This is a short, minimally invasive procedure done under sedation to collect the eggs.
Fertilization: In the lab, the collected eggs are combined with sperm to create embryos.
Embryo transfer: After a few days of development, one or more healthy embryos are transferred directly into your uterus.
While success isn't guaranteed, preparing your body and mind can make a significant difference.
Preparing your body for IVF: The physical checklist
Your body is the foundation for a successful cycle. Here are some essential IVF tips for first-timers focusing on physical health.
Essential Supplements: A high-quality prenatal vitamin is non-negotiable. I personally used and recommend Thorne Basic Prenatal and Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA. Many doctors also suggest adding CoQ10 to support egg quality, but be sure to ask your provider first.
Optimize Vitamin D: Deficiency is common and can impact fertility. A supplement like NatureWise Vitamin D3 is an affordable and effective option.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Small changes yield big results. Focus on moderate exercise (like walking or yoga), eating nutrient-dense meals, and eliminating alcohol and smoking, as these can negatively affect outcomes.
Recommended products
Thorne Basic Prenatal
This isn't just any prenatal; it's a high-quality, easily absorbed formula designed to build the optimal nutritional foundation for conception. It provides essential nutrients in their purest forms to support your body and early fetal development before you even have a positive test.
Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA
Think of this as brain food for your future baby. DHA is a crucial omega-3 fatty acid for fetal brain and eye development. Adding this to your routine ensures you're giving your embryo the best possible building blocks from the very start.
NatureWise Vitamin D3
Known as the "sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D plays a critical role in reproductive health and immune function. As deficiency is common, this supplement is a simple way to ensure your levels are optimal, which is linked to better IVF outcomes.
Emotional and spiritual preparation for IVF
The emotional journey of IVF is a marathon, not a sprint. Creating a strong support system for your mind is just as important as the physical steps.
Find your anchor: If faith grounds you, lean into it. Prayer was my lifeline. If meditation resonates more, there are thousands of free guided sessions on YouTube perfect for reducing anxiety.
Seek professional support: A therapist specializing in fertility can provide invaluable tools to navigate the emotional highs and lows. They can help normalize your feelings and offer coping strategies.
Connect with your partner: IVF can strain a relationship. Be intentional about connection. Schedule evening walks, watch a favorite show, or simply laugh at memes together. These small rituals are a powerful form of IVF emotional support.
Managing IVF medications: A practical system
The box of medications can be overwhelming. Injections, patches, and pills will quickly become part of your daily routine.
Get organized: Use a tool like the AUVON Weekly Pill Organizer to keep everything straight.
Save money: Always ask your clinic or specialty pharmacy about generics, discount programs, or savings cards. Fertility pharmacies often have better pricing than standard retail chains.
Stay positive: Humor helps. Think of it as your "IVF starter pack" and give yourself grace as you learn the process.
Creating your IVF comfort & injection kit
A few key items can make the daily injections much more manageable. Set up a small "IVF station" at home with these essentials.
Recommended products
RelaxCoo Microwavable Heating Pad
Perfect for soothing sore injection sites. Just a short time in the microwave provides deep, moist heat to relieve the muscle knots and soreness that can come from daily shots, especially progesterone in oil.
Buzzy Bee for Pain Relief
This small device is a game-changer for needle anxiety. It uses a combination of vibration and cold to naturally block pain signals, making daily injections significantly less painful and stressful.
My IVF Journey Organizer & Journal
This journal helps you organize the chaos of an IVF cycle. Use it to track appointments, medications, and your emotions, giving you a much-needed sense of control over the entire process.
Stress-reduction and self-care during your cycle
IVF can become all-consuming. It's crucial to build moments of non-fertility-related peace into your day.
Mindful distractions: Adult coloring books are surprisingly effective at calming an anxious brain.
Aromatherapy: An Essential Oil Diffuser can bring calming spa vibes right into your living room. Lavender and chamomile are great for relaxation.
Gentle movement: Light yoga or a daily walk can reset your mood and reduce stress hormones.
Acupressure mat: For a fraction of the cost of acupuncture, the ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set uses small pressure points to release tension, increase blood flow, and calm the nervous system.
Permission to unplug: Sometimes, the best self-care is binge-watching a show on Netflix and completely forgetting about treatments for a few hours.
Recommended products
ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser
This quiet, ultrasonic diffuser helps reclaim your home from the clinical feel of IVF. Use calming scents like lavender to reduce cycle-related anxiety, promote restful sleep, and create a peaceful sanctuary for your mind and body. The soft, color-changing light adds a gentle, restorative ambiance to any room.
ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set
When IVF-related stress leaves you feeling tense and anxious, this mat offers a powerful way to find relief at home. Lying on the thousands of strategically placed points for just 10-20 minutes helps release muscle tension, increase circulation, and calm your nervous system. It’s a simple, non-medicinal tool to help quiet your mind, ease physical discomfort, and improve your sleep quality during a demanding time.
Talking with family & friends about your treatment
Well-meaning questions like “Any news yet?” can be painful. Decide ahead of time how you want to handle communication.
Set clear boundaries: It's okay to say, “We appreciate you asking, but we’ll share updates when we feel ready.”
Appoint a spokesperson: Designate one trusted friend or family member to share updates with the wider circle so you don’t have to repeat the news over and over.
Own your story: Remember, you are in control of who knows what and when.
Navigating a failed IVF cycle
There is no easy way to say this: a failed cycle is heartbreaking. Allow yourself the space to grieve.
Journal, cry, take a trip, or do whatever you need to process the loss. When you're ready, here are some productive questions to ask your doctor:
Could we adjust the medication protocol for the next cycle?
Should we consider preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)?
Are there any other lifestyle changes you would recommend?
Knowledge empowers you and can help soften the sting of uncertainty.
Celebrating an IVF pregnancy
When you finally see that positive test, let yourself feel every bit of the joy. You’ve earned it. Keep a memory box with a vial or an appointment card. Cherish the sound of the first heartbeat. And give thanks in whatever way feels right to you.
Your journey, no matter the outcome, makes you a warrior.
Final words of encouragement
If you're reading this, you’re not alone. I’ve been the woman crying in the clinic bathroom. I’ve been the wife holding on to hope after another failure. And I’ve also been the mom holding a baby I once thought I’d never meet.
You are strong, resilient, and capable. Take it one step, one injection, one day at a time.
With love and empathy,
Mindy
FAQs: How to prepare for IVF
1. How do I prepare my body for IVF?
Focus on a foundation of health: take a high-quality prenatal vitamin, eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, engage in moderate exercise, and eliminate alcohol and smoking.
2. What vitamins are best for IVF preparation?
A comprehensive prenatal (Thorne Basic Prenatal), Prenatal DHA for brain development, Vitamin D3, and potentially CoQ10 to support egg quality (consult your doctor before adding CoQ10).
3. How can I manage stress during an IVF cycle?
Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or prayer, seek support from a fertility-trained therapist, and prioritize small, daily acts of self-care like walking, aromatherapy, or journaling.
4. How should I talk to my family about IVF?
Establish clear boundaries upfront. Decide what you are comfortable sharing and communicate that to your loved ones. Appointing a single person to provide updates can also reduce pressure.
5. What should I ask my doctor after a failed cycle?
Key questions include asking about potential changes to your medication protocol, the pros and cons of genetic testing for embryos (PGT), and any further lifestyle adjustments that could improve outcomes.
References
SART: Preparing for IVF—Emotional Considerations
ACOG: Infertility Treatment Overview
NIH: Jean Marian Purdy remembered - the hidden life of an IVF pioneer
The content on Awaiting the Stork™ is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare professional to address your unique health needs and circumstances.Â
Content contribution & expert reviewed by
Mindy Motta, FNP-CÂ
Mindy is a seasoned OB-GYN Nurse Practitioner and co-founder of Awaiting the Stork™. After overcoming her own years-long fertility journey, she now blends clinical expertise with heartfelt empathy to offer new mom advice and evidence-based support for every stage of motherhood. Mindy’s mission is to nurture confidence, connection, and clarity for women stepping into motherhood’s many joys and challenges.
