IVF Hydration: What to Drink at Each Stage of Your IVF Cycle
- Rachael Robinson
- 15 hours ago
- 6 min read
Table of Contents
Quick summary
Staying well hydrated during IVF supports blood flow, hormone metabolism and medication tolerance
Different stages of IVF benefit from different fluids, including electrolytes and targeted juices
Targeted hydration can support comfort, circulation and uterine receptivity
Introduction
When people prepare for IVF, nutrition often focuses on food, supplements and medications. IVF hydration, however, is just as important and is often overlooked. Fluids play a key role in blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, hormone transport and detoxification. In addition, hydration can influence how well medications are absorbed and tolerated. In this article, I will guide you through what to drink at each stage of your IVF cycle, including water, electrolytes, juices and teas, and how to use them safely and effectively.
Why IVF hydration matters during treatment
I always found that my thirst increased throughout stimulation. This makes sense because hydration is foundational for reproductive health, and its importance increases during IVF. Your body is working really hard throughout the stimulation process which places extra demand on the body, particularly the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system.
Adequate hydration supports healthy blood volume which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to developing follicles and the endometrium. In addition, fluids support detoxification pathways and poor hydration can increase side effects such as headaches, constipation and fatigue. Finally, hydration influences comfort. Bloating, dizziness and low energy are common during IVF. Consistent fluid intake can reduce symptom severity and support overall resilience.
Water as the foundation of hydration during IVF
I know that not everyone likes water, however ideally it should always form the base of your IVF hydration plan. While juices and electrolytes can be helpful, they should build on a foundation of regular water intake. Sipping water consistently throughout the day is more effective than drinking large amounts at once. This supports steady hydration and reduces bloating. Filtered water is ideal where possible, as it reduces exposure to chlorine and other contaminants that may interfere with hormone balance. I use an Aqua Tru Filter, but the most important thing is that you do filter your water. As a general guide, most people benefit from 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily. During stimulation, fluid needs often increase, especially if you are not using electrolytes regularly.
Electrolytes during stimulation
Electrolytes are often one of the most useful tools for hydration during IVF stimulation. They help fluids move into cells and prevent dilution of sodium when fluid intake increases. I like Elete from Mineral Resources international, Electrolyte Fix from Viridian and E-Lyte from Body Bio. Look for electrolytes that contain sodium, potassium and magnesium. Avoid products with artificial sweeteners or excessive sugar.
Electrolytes can be particularly helpful if you experience headaches, dizziness or fatigue during stimulation. Just add them to water in the morning and either sip throughout the day or drink in one if you do not like the taste! Avoid later in the day as they may interrupt sleep.
Teas for your IVF Cycle: Stims
Dandelion tea can be lovely if you suffer with water retention and bloating, pre transfer only.
Raspberry leaf tea is traditionally used to support uterine tone. In IVF practice, it is sometimes included before embryo transfer only.
One cup of each daily in the days leading up to transfer is usually sufficient.
Juices for IVF cycle support
Juices can be a helpful addition during IVF when used intentionally. They should complement meals rather than replace them and should be used in moderate amounts. Always add to a meal to support blood sugar balance.
Beetroot juice for blood flow
Beetroot juice is rich in dietary nitrates, which support nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. Improved blood flow may support ovarian response and follicular development. Around 50 to 100 ml daily is sufficient.
Beetroot juice can be diluted with water to improve tolerance and digestion. Sometimes I use beet shots if my clients do not have time to make their own juices daily - I am also happy to include shop bought ones as long as they are organic.
Carrot juice for antioxidant support
Carrot juice provides beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports cellular health. Antioxidant support is particularly relevant during stimulation, when oxidative stress may increase. Fresh carrot juice can be combined with ginger or lemon.
Celery juice for hydration and liver support
Celery juice provides potassium and phytonutrients that support hydration at a cellular level. It may also support liver function, which is particularly relevant during hormone metabolism. Celery juice is best consumed earlier in the day. If digestion is sensitive, it can be taken alongside food.
Hydration around egg collection
In the days leading up to egg collection, hydration remains important, but comfort becomes a priority.
Continue with water and electrolytes, but avoid drinking large volumes at once, as this can increase discomfort.
After egg collection, gentle hydration is key. Warm fluids are often better tolerated than cold drinks and can support relaxation.
Electrolytes are especially important post collection, particularly for those at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. I often recommend that clients take coconut water to the clinic with them and enjoy with a slice of fresh lime once they wake from collection.
When you get home it can be nice to have a stew cooked with bone broth or just have a cup of bone broth on its own as this is both nourishing and hydrating.
If you notice that bowels are slow after collection you can also add in chia, flax water or prune juice to support bowel movement. For the flax water just add 2 tbsps of flax seeds to some water (prepare this the night before), leave overnight and then drain. You do not consume the flax seeds, just the water. For the chia water just add a heaped tbsp of chia seeds to water, leave for 20 minutes and then drink.
IVF hydration before embryo transfer
The pre transfer phase focuses on supporting the uterine lining and optimising blood flow.
Consistent hydration supports endometrial thickness and uterine receptivity. This is where circulation supporting fluids can be particularly useful.
Beetroot juice pre transfer
Beetroot juice is commonly used in the days leading up to transfer to support blood flow to the uterus. Small, consistent amounts are sufficient. This is not about large volumes, but gentle support alongside meals.
Hydration after embryo transfer
After embryo transfer, the focus shifts to stability and gentle support.
Continue with water and electrolytes if needed. Warm fluids can support parasympathetic nervous system activity. This can help promote relaxation, which may be beneficial for implantation.
Pomegranete juice can be nice for blood flow. You can actually freeze blocks of pomegranete juice and then either add to hot water for a warm drink, or to sparkling water for something more refreshing. Sometimes I also add in some honey and cinnamon to the warm drink for something more nourishing.
Stick to pregnancy safe herbal options such as ginger or rooibos if tea is desired. I also really like the brand Hot Tea Mamma which has pregnancy safe teas (just avoid raspberry leaf at this stage).
What to avoid; a note on caffeine
I do not recommend consuming alcohol at any point throuhgout the cycle.
Caffeine has a upper safety limit of 200mg a day in pregnancy (approximately 1 cup of coffee or 2 cups of tea - this will vary depending on strength). If you want to enhoy one cup of tea or coffee daily during stims I do not mind (just keep it 30 minutes after food otherwise iron absorption and blood sugar balance are impacted). I strongly recommend no caffeine after transfer. I do generally advise that clietns avoid any caffeinated drinks at all throughout the cycle becuase some people develp withdrawel headaches when stopping caffeine and this is not what you want at the point of egg collection and transfer.
Practical tips for hydration during IVF
Start your day with a glass of water before caffeine. This supports rehydration after overnight fluid loss.
Sip fluids regularly rather than drinking large amounts at once.
Pair juices with meals to reduce blood sugar spikes.
Monitor urine colour and energy levels. Dark urine and headaches often indicate inadequate hydration.
Conclusion
IVF hydration is a powerful but often underestimated part of fertility support. The right fluids at the right time can support circulation, hormone metabolism, comfort and overall resilience throughout treatment. By using water as a foundation and layering in electrolytes, targeted juices and appropriate teas, hydration becomes a strategic part of your IVF nutrition plan rather than an afterthought.
Next Steps
If you are preparing for IVF and want personalised guidance on nutrition and hydration for your specific protocol, I would love to support you. You can reach out via the contact form or explore my IVF nutrition resources to receive tailored, evidence based support through every stage of treatment. You can also join my newsletter for evidence based guidance and gentle emotional support.
Arrange a 1:1 session with me to create a personalised, practical strategy for the months ahead.
Comments