Support your IVF journey -Post-Egg Retrieval Recovery & Diet

Women undergoing IVF, egg freezing, or egg donation will go through the egg retrieval process, which may come with mild discomfort like bloating, bleeding, or abdominal pain. Luckily, these symptoms can be eased with the right diet and recovery care. So, what should you eat after egg retrieval? What if your period is irregular? When can you exercise again? Here are 5 key recovery tips to help you feel better fast.  

What to Expect After Egg Retrieval?  

You might experience some discomfort in the first 1-2 weeks due to hormonal stimulation, including:  

1. Bloating – Usually lasts until your next period. If it causes trouble peeing or breathing, see a doctor.  

2. Fluid build-up (OHSS) – Caused by fertility meds increasing fluid leakage into the abdomen. Severe cases may need medical attention.  

3. Nausea/dizziness – Mild cases are normal, but if you can’t stand or walk, get help.  

4. Light bleeding or cramps – Normal, but heavy bleeding (like a heavy period) or severe pain needs medical care.  

Most symptoms improve within a week or by your next period. If not, check with your doctor.  

Can I Go Back to Work After Egg Retrieval?  

There’s no major incision, but recovery varies. If you feel okay after 1-2 days of rest, you can return to work—just avoid overexertion to help your ovaries recover.  

Diet Tips for Faster Recovery  

1. Drink lots of water (get a hydrogen water bottle, hydrogenated water increases oxygen in the cells) – Helps with bloating. 

2. Drink loads of Bone Broth - Bone broth is rich in various nutrients, primarily collagen, gelatin, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It contains collagen, which is broken down into gelatin when boiled, and also provides essential amino acids like glycine and arginine, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Vegan broth options - seaweed broth, or sprinkle spirulina in your pulses grains.

Eat high-protein foods – Salmon, lean meat, eggs, tofu, and dairy boost recovery.

For vegan, Tofu, mixed beans, quinoa, lentils, chickpea, edamame, peas, tempeh, Natto (Japanese fermented soy bean), nuts and seeds.

3. Take vitamins (C, E, folic acid) – Supports ovarian healing.  

4. Avoid salty pungent foods – Reduces fluid retention (skip high salty food, soy sauce, ketchup, etc.).  

5. Skip baths/hot tubs/Swimming pool – Lowers infection risk.  

Avoid: Alcohol, spicy foods, herbal remedies, and raw/cold foods (like ice cream, sashimi).  

When Will My Period Come Back?  

Your period may arrive 8-10 days after retrieval (due to hormonal meds). The next cycle should normalize.  

- Early period? Normal—no need to worry.  

- Late/light period? Stress or hormones may delay it—wait 1-2 months before checking with your doctor.  

- Heavier/more painful? Normal, but if bleeding lasts over 7 days or causes dizziness, see a doctor.  

Exercise & Sex After Egg Retrieval  

Wait until after your first period to avoid complications (like ovarian torsion). for exercise, stick to light walks (20-30 mins) until then.  

When to See a Doctor  

Rare but serious risks include:  

- OHSS (severe bloating, nausea, low urine output).  

- Internal bleeding (sudden pain, rapid heartbeat, fever).  

These are uncommon (<8% and <1% risk, respectively), but get help if symptoms are severe.  

Bottom line: Rest well, drink lots of bone broth, eat protein-rich meals, and listen to your body. Most discomfort fades within a week!

This blog post in written by Monica, not from AI!

Happy motherhood! It's an amazing journey to become parents.