When you are taking the IVF medication your body, especially your liver, is experiencing additional physiological demands as it deals with breaking down the drugs and high levels of estrogen. Therefore it is a good idea to give the liver every bit of help it can get at this time. You can do this by avoiding alcohol and rich foods. Of course you should aim to have as balanced a diet as possible at the same time, with adequate protein and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

In terms of overall nourishment of the eggs in the follicles, it is advisable to maximize your nutrition (and your partners)  at least 3 or 4 months before you hope to be creating a new baby. Some clinics run formal preconception care programmes which advise strict dietary guidelines and supplementation with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The Chinese medicine approach is rather more eclectic and gears dietary advice to the individual. A wide variety of foods which are nutritious, fresh, colourful and pleasing to the palate and eaten in an unhurried manner are the basis of a good diet in Chinese medicine. We know from many studies that organic foods will provide better levels of nutrients, while being free from pesticides and other chemicals.