How to Prepare Your Body for IVF or IUI: A Functional Wellness Approach
If you're preparing for IVF or IUI, you're likely riding a wave of hope, nerves, and a deep desire to give your body its best shot at success. As both a wellness professional and a Single Mom by Choice (SMBC), I know how important it is to feel empowered—not overwhelmed—throughout this journey.
Let’s explore how to prepare your body for conception using a functional wellness lens, supporting your fertility from the inside out.
What is a Functional Wellness Approach?
Functional wellness focuses on optimizing your whole-body health—hormones, gut, sleep, movement, mindset—so your body is in the best possible state to support conception, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about alignment and support. Let’s dive in.
1. Nourish Like You’re Pregnant… Before You’re Pregnant
Why it matters: Nutrient stores—especially folate, iron, omega-3s, and antioxidants—play a critical role in egg quality, hormone balance, and early pregnancy.
Try this:
Eat the rainbow daily: Focus on leafy greens, berries, squash, cruciferous veggies, and healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts).
Add fertility-friendly proteins like eggs, wild-caught salmon, lentils, and pasture-raised meats.
Limit processed foods, added sugars, and seed oils that contribute to inflammation.
B.Well Tip:
Start a prenatal vitamin with methylated folate at least 3 months prior to your IUI/IVF cycle.
2. Prioritize Restorative Sleep
Why it matters: Poor sleep disrupts cortisol, insulin, and reproductive hormones like LH and progesterone.
Try this:
Create a consistent wind-down routine: Screens off 1 hour before bed, magnesium bath or herbal tea, and a regular bedtime.
Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep in a cool, dark room.
3. Support Nervous System Regulation
Why it matters: Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can interfere with ovulation and embryo implantation.
Try this:
Practice daily vagus nerve regulation: deep belly breathing, humming, cold exposure, or guided meditation.
Move your body gently: walking, yin yoga, or 20 minutes of stretching can calm the stress response.
B.Well Tool:
Try my "Ground & Breathe" 5-minute guided reset (linked here if you're offering downloads!).
4. Heal the Gut, Support Hormones
Why it matters: Your gut and hormones are deeply connected. Inflammation, dysbiosis, or food sensitivities can throw off estrogen detox and nutrient absorption.
Try this:
Include fermented foods (sauerkraut, kefir, miso), fiber-rich meals, and bone broth.
Consider a short elimination diet if you suspect bloating or fatigue after meals.
Drink filtered water and limit alcohol and caffeine.
5. Move with Intention, Not Exhaustion
Why it matters: Exercise boosts insulin sensitivity, circulation, and hormone balance—but too much intensity can backfire.
Try this:
3–4 days of moderate movement: strength training, Pilates, or low-impact cardio.
Restorative movement 1–2 days/week: yoga, walking, swimming.
Avoid overtraining—especially in the 2 weeks leading up to embryo transfer or ovulation.
6. Targeted Supplements (Always Check with Your Provider)
Why it matters: Supplements can enhance nutrient levels and reduce oxidative stress—but only when used wisely.
Commonly Recommended:
Omega-3 (DHA/EPA) for egg quality and inflammation
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) especially if over 35
Vitamin D (get tested first!)
7. Emotional Health Is Physical Health
Preparing for IVF or IUI isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal. Whether you're doing this solo or with a partner, give yourself grace and space.
Try this:
Journal about your intentions and fears.
Join a support group or follow others on a similar journey.
Remind yourself: You are doing something brave.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to overhaul your life to support your fertility—you just need a plan that supports your whole self.
Whether you're weeks away from your IUI/IVF cycle or just starting to prepare, the B.Well approach is here to make wellness accessible, science-backed, and nurturing—especially for women navigating it solo.
Want More Support?
I offer personalized, email-based coaching for women preparing for or recovering from IVF, IUI, or early motherhood. If you're seeking structure, guidance, and encouragement—without Zoom calls or high costs—learn more here.
📩 Questions? DM me on Instagram @beringwellness or email me at shay@beringwellness.com