If you are on an IVF journey, you may have heard of a few IVF traditions like eating french fries after a transfer. How did these old wives’ tales come about, and do they actually work? In this guide, we dive into the details.
By Halle Tecco, Chief Executive Officer, Natalist
If you are on an IVF journey, you may have heard of a few IVF traditions like eating french fries after a transfer. How did these old wives’ tales come about, and do they actually work? Let’s dive into the most common IVF traditions and superstitions.
Pineapple
If you haven’t noticed, the pineapple is the unofficial symbol of IVF. A quick search for IVF gear on Etsy returns a plethora of socks, journals, and other gifts all adorned by this friendly-looking fruit (which just so happens to also be a symbol of southern hospitality in Natalist’s homebase, Charleston, SC).
Folklore has it that it’s good luck to eat pineapple before an embryo transfer. Why is that? Research suggests that bromelain, an enzyme mixture present in the pineapple, is an anti-inflammatory agent. This could possibly help with embryo implantation, but there’s no research to back that up. Dr. Tomer Singer, a reproductive endocrinologist told the New York Times:
“There’s no evidence in the literature that says consuming pineapple prior to an embryo transfer will improve implantation.”
That being said, pineapple is a safe, healthy choice so there’s no harm in chowing down!
Want to hear more? Read the full article on Natalist.com
