Women preparing for or undergoing IVF(In Vitro Fertilization) often share a common concern.
“Why am I gaining weight?” is a question that comes up frequently. Weight gain worries are understandable during IVF, but it is not simply about eating more. Hormonal shifts, medications, and emotional stress all contribute to this complex experience.
IVF is a process in which eggs are harvested, fertilized outside the body, and then implanted into the uterus. During this journey, women receive a series of hormone injections.
These hormones work hard to stimulate the ovaries, trigger ovulation, and prepare the uterine lining for implantation. The downside? These same hormones can also contribute to weight gain.
The main culprits are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones encourage water retention and increase appetite. They also interfere with insulin resistance, making it easier for blood sugar levels to rise and for the body to store fat.
Many women report not changing their eating habits, yet the scale continues progressing.
The medications used during IVF also play a role. Ovary-stimulating hormone injections can slow metabolism and cause bloating. That heavy, sluggish feeling and a higher number on the scale often follow.
Progesterone, critical for maintaining the uterine lining, is particularly skilled at encouraging the body to hold onto fat. Some women even notice a slight bulge in their belly after these injections.
Emotional stress is another important factor.
IVF can be a physical and emotional rollercoaster. The hope, anxiety, and disappointment that often accompany the process can trigger the release of cortisol, the stress hormone linked to cravings for high-calorie foods. More stress means more cortisol, which can lead to additional weight gain. Exercise habits also change during IVF.
Due to medical recommendations, women are often encouraged to rest, especially around egg retrieval and implantation. With swollen ovaries and a focus on maintaining a safe environment for the embryos, physical activity is limited.
Less movement means less muscle mass and a slower metabolism, making it easier to gain weight even without eating more.
Some women also adopt nutrient-rich diets to boost their IVF success rates, taking iron, folic acid, and omega-3 supplements. While these dietary changes are positive, they can also lead to some weight gain.
In short, IVF-related weight gain is the result of a perfect storm: hormones, medications, emotional stress, reduced exercise, and dietary changes.
The good news? It is usually temporary. As hormone levels stabilize after IVF, weight often returns to normal. It is important to avoid crash dieting, which is harmful when you are trying to conceive.
If the scale is causing stress, focus on nutrition rather than restriction. Prioritize lean proteins, vegetables, whole foods, and limit fried and processed options. Gentle activities like stretching or short walks can also help. Most importantly, be kind to your body. It is doing something extraordinary.
Weight gain during IVF is often part of the journey, not a sign of failure. Understanding these changes and responding carelessly can help you navigate IVF with greater confidence and resilience.
Most Commented