If you have elected to become an egg donor, you have entered into an incredibly generous and gratifying experience that gives other people the ability to build their families. However, that doesn’t mean the process is as simple as going grocery shopping or doing the laundry. Donating eggs requires your body to undergo a unique cycle in order to produce multiple strong and viable eggs for the intended parents. Just like a pregnant woman’s health matters immensely for her sake and the baby’s, your own well-being should remain a top priority during your egg donation process. The following 7 tips will help you stay happy and healthy through the duration of egg donation.
Stay Hydrated with Electrolytes
Staying hydrated is a key component of overall health, regardless of whether you are an egg donor or not. It becomes even more important during the egg donation process, since your body is exerting more effort than normal. This is especially true when it comes to electrolytes, which are minerals with an electric charge that maintain the body’s blood chemistry, muscle function, and much more. Double up by drinking a serving or two of electrolyte water each day to keep your body nourished and hydrated.
Balance Your Diet
Every nutrient serves a specific purpose in your body, from keeping organs functioning to giving you energy. Eating a healthy and balanced diet is one of the best ways to ensure you benefit from all of these nutrients and strengthen your uterine environment as much as possible. Leafy greens, fruits, poultry, lean beef, beans, nuts, and whole grains are all excellent choices.
Consider Supplements
If you are concerned that your diet will not provide all of the nutrients that your body should have during the egg donation process, it’s a wise idea to invest in a prenatal vitamin that contains all of the most important ones like vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and folate. It’s still crucial to eat a healthy diet while you take vitamins, but with the help of a supplement, you never have to worry about neglecting those nutrients.
Get Moving…
We all know how critical physical activity is to overall health. As you prepare to donate your eggs, be sure to treat your body to regular movement in the form of walking, swimming, spinning, and flexibility training. This will help blood flow to your reproductive organs, which in turn delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the uterine tissue. Just 30 minutes a day does the trick!
…Then Take Time to Relax
As important as physical exercise is, also remember that you are in the process of an egg donation cycle and might need to take it easy in certain ways. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise choices, and when you feel like you just need to sit and breathe, give yourself that break.
Improve Your Sleep Patterns
Improving your sleep patterns will also help your body regulate itself and potentially increase your chances of a successful egg donation. Sleep is the time that your body repairs itself, recuperates from the day, and completes many vital functions. If you can regularly give your body 8 or 9 hours to make all of that happen, you’ll feel healthier and happier for it!
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Along with your physical wellbeing, it’s also important to remember your emotional wellbeing. The egg donation process is unlike anything else you might have experienced before, and it is natural to have a wide range of questions. Never hesitate to ask those questions, or you may cause yourself unnecessary stress and concern. Talk to a doctor with whom you feel comfortable, gather your support system nearby, and speak up to obtain whatever help or clarifications you may need.
With these small steps, you can ensure that you have a positive and successful egg donation experience!