Your IVF + Acupuncture Checklist 
Going through IVF is one of the most demanding things you can do — physically, emotionally, and logistically. This checklist is designed to help you feel prepared, supported, and in control at every stage.
As a specialist fertility acupuncturist based at The Light Centre in Clapham, I’ve supported many women and couples through IVF cycles. Here’s exactly what I recommend.
✅ 3 months before your IVF cycle starts
- Book an initial acupuncture consultation to assess your TCM diagnosis
- Begin weekly acupuncture sessions to improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
- Start tracking your cycle (basal body temperature, cervical mucus)
- Review your diet — reduce sugar, alcohol, processed foods
- Start taking CoQ10, Vitamin D, and folate (discuss doses with your GP or consultant)
- Reduce caffeine to 1 cup per day maximum
- Prioritise sleep — 7-8 hours minimum
- Begin stress management — yoga, walking, meditation
✅ During stimulation (injections phase)
- Continue weekly acupuncture — sessions now focus on supporting your response to medication
- Stay well hydrated — especially important with FSH injections
- Avoid intense exercise — gentle walking and yoga only
- Rest more than usual — your body is working hard
- Keep stress low — let people around you know you need extra support
- Attend all monitoring appointments at your clinic
✅ Around egg collection
- Have an acupuncture session 1-2 days before egg collection
- Rest for 24-48 hours post collection
- Eat warm, nourishing foods — soups, stews, cooked vegetables
- Avoid cold foods and drinks — in TCM, warmth supports recovery
- Stay off your feet as much as possible that day
✅ Around embryo transfer — the most important moment
- Have acupuncture close to the time of the transfer
- Wear warm, comfortable clothing on transfer day
- Eat a warm meal beforehand
- Bring someone supportive with you if possible
- Plan a gentle, restful day afterwards
✅ The two-week wait
- Continue acupuncture 1-2 times per week — focus on reducing anxiety and supporting progesterone
- Avoid Googling symptoms obsessively — it won’t help and will spike your cortisol
- Keep warm — especially your lower abdomen and lower back
- Gentle walking only — no running, swimming, or intense exercise
- Talk to someone you trust — the wait is hard, you don’t have to do it alone
- Be kind to yourself — whatever happens, you are doing everything you can
✅ If your cycle is successful 🎉
- Continue acupuncture through the first trimester — it supports implantation and reduces miscarriage risk
- Inform your acupuncturist immediately so treatment can be adapted for pregnancy
- Rest, nourish, and let yourself feel the joy
✅ If your cycle is unsuccessful
- Give yourself time to grieve — this is a real loss
- Continue acupuncture to support your body’s recovery and rebalance hormones
- Book a follow-up with your clinic to review what happened
- When you’re ready, we can discuss how to prepare differently for the next cycle
- You are not alone — I am here to support you through this
Ready to start preparing for your IVF cycle?
I offer a free 15-minute discovery call to talk through where you are in your journey and how acupuncture can support you.
Based at The Light Centre, 151 Clapham High Street, SW4 — easy access from Brixton, Stockwell, Oval, Kennington and Battersea.
[Book your free discovery call] | [Book your first appointment]
Silène Bricet — Specialist Fertility Acupuncturist, Clapham, London. Member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) and Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN). Advanced Diploma in Fertility Acupuncture. Consultations in English and French.
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