IVF and Weight Gain: How to Lose Those Extra Kilos After an IVF Pregnancy?

Reviewed by Dr. KM Salini ,

Expert Verified

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Last updated: March 17, 2025

Synopsis

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is the most common assisted reproductive technique used for couples who are unable to bear a child naturally. It has a high success rate. However, it is also associated with some unwanted side effects, and the most common side effect is weight gain. The female partner has to go through the overwhelming journey and bear the brunt of gonadotropin injections.

Introduction

IVF and weight gain are interrelated to each other. Weight gain after IVF is due to increased levels of progesterone and estrogen in the body. Your body also needs extra calories to support the pregnancy. IVF weight gain should not be a problem for females who eat carefully during pregnancy and engage in safe and regular exercise. This article will discuss how to lose those extra kilos after an IVF pregnancy.

What is the Relation Between Weight Gain and IVF?

IVF is a long and complex process and involves different stages. The IVF specialist will do fertility analysis by doing various tests. In an IVF process, a woman’s egg is fertilised with the man’s sperm in a lab under suitable conditions to develop the embryo. The developed embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus for implantation, and extra embryos are frozen for future trials. Different steps involved in the IVF process are:

Evaluation of the fertility of the couple.
Making a plan for IVF treatment depends on the cause of infertility and the personal requirements of the patient.
Medications and injections are given to the female partner for ovarian stimulation.
Mature eggs are retrieved using a small surgical procedure
Sperms of the male partner are collected.
Eggs and sperm are kept in a laboratory for fertilisation.
An embryo develops after fertilisation and may be tested for genetic diseases.
The embryo is transferred on 5th day for implantation into the female uterus
A pregnancy test is done after 2weeks day of the transfer.
If a high HCG level is seen in the blood test, it indicates the beginning of pregnancy.

People have several myths about weight gain and IVF. Many believe that being overweight can cause a hindrance in conceiving, and others believe that IVF can increase body weight.

How Does Weight Gain Occur During IVF?

Women gain some weight after pregnancy. Therefore, IVF and weight gain is common. It is not only during IVF that women gain weight, but normal pregnancy also causes weight gain.

During the IVF process, doctors give medication and injections to trigger reproductive hormones such as FSH, which is also called ovarian stimulation. These drugs and injections help follicles to grow. This boosts the level of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the retention of salt and water in your body cells while helping the growth of the follicles.

Some women feel bloated during this process, but it is temporary. Once the stimulation is done, hormone levels become normal, and your weight will also become normal. At the same time, some women are asked to put on weight during IVF to support pregnancy.

Fertility drugs can cause mood swings. Mental or physical stress can cause hormonal imbalances that can cause weight gain during pregnancy through IVF.

It is a common factor that can lead to weight gain during an IVF process. Some women feel emotionally weak and stressed after an egg retrieval or embryo implantation. Women become worried about getting pregnant or not during the first cycle and getting through the entire process over again. This leads to emotional eating and weight gain due to the type of food eaten during the IVF cycle.

Some women avoid doing any physical activity during an IVF process. Due to low physical activity and an unhealthy diet during an IVF process, they can gain weight.

Thus, it cannot be ascertained if IVF causes weight gain but the effects of IVF hormones and drugs can be controlled with proper diet and exercise.

Tips to Lose Those Extra Kilos After an IVF Pregnancy

Women who get pregnant through IVF need to take care of their health. They may have to work a little more than other females to manage excess body weight gained during pregnancy. Some tips to lose weight after an IVF pregnancy:

Eat Healthy Food

It is important to eat healthy food before, during, and after an IVF procedure. Eat more fruits and green leafy vegetables. Add low-calorie and high-fibre foods to your diet that can help you lose weight after an IVF pregnancy.
Eat Plant-Based Protein

Add plant-based proteins to your diet. Add lentils, beans, seeds, and nuts to satisfy your body's protein needs. Avoid eating processed meats and fried meat.
Exercise

Exercise is important to lose the extra weight gained during an IVF procedure. Start doing light to moderate exercise during pregnancy as well as after delivery. This will improve your muscle strength and maintain your ideal body weight. You can also practice yoga and meditation to improve mood swings and keep your body healthy. Exercise is important to lose the extra weight gained during an IVF procedure. Start doing light to moderate exercise during pregnancy as well as after delivery. This will improve your muscle strength and maintain your ideal body weight. You can also practice yoga and meditation to improve mood swings and keep your body healthy.
Avoid Unhealthy Foods

Avoid unhealthy foods in your diet. Completely refrain from caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and smoking during pregnancy and throughout your IVF journey. Choose a healthy lifestyle to keep your body fit and healthy during and after pregnancy.
Add Whole Grains

Whole grains help balance blood glucose levels and also prevent hormonal imbalances. Therefore, add more whole grains to your diet. You can choose brown rice, cereals, barley, etc.
Regular Meal Time

You should maintain regular meal times as they can help manage hunger during the day. You should eat meals at a particular time during the day to avoid weight gain during the IVF procedure.
Hydration

Drink a sufficient amount of water to improve digestion and control appetite. This also helps in controlling weight.
Enjoy Eating Meals

Enjoy eating your meals. Avoid watching TV or mobile while eating your food. Eat slowly and stop when you feel full. Avoid overeating.
Consult with a Dietician

You can also consult a dietitian for personalised advice and a suitable diet plan depending on your body's needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IVF has made it possible for infertile couples to enjoy the happiness of motherhood. Some risks and complications are associated with the IVF process. However, with the right knowledge and doing the right things during and after an IVF procedure, you can easily lose weight gain and get back to your original body shape.