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When you’re going through IVF, there are a lot of things to remember and it can be overwhelming. As we were going through our IVF cycle, it was helpful to have a couple must-have items. If you’re interested in learning more about our journey, you can read about it here.

Helpful Items

1. Organizer – As we were going through the egg-retrieval process, there were a lot of medications we had to keep track of. I know some people set up an entire table for all their needs. I felt that was too invasive so we decided to get a table organizer with drawers. This was the absolute best because for our needs, it fit everything perfectly!

2. Travel Case – It can also be helpful to have a bag for travel in case you aren’t home when you need to take your shot. Most, if not all, of the shots need to be taken at the same time each day. This means there’s a chance you won’t be home when a dose is needed. I even went on vacation during this time so having a travel pouch was very helpful! Pouches like this one are great because they have a place for extra needles, alcohol swabs, the syringes, and extra medicine to be protected. This would work for both the preloaded shots and the vials option, which is what we had to do.

3. Journal – I found it incredibly helpful to have somewhere to share my thoughts. I often wrote prayers, just thoughts I couldn’t get off my mind, anything to help me through this journey. It is absolutely something I recommend to anyone going through this experience. I especially liked having one with an inspiring phrase on the front like this one.

4. Heating Pad – After your egg retrieval, you are absolutely going to have some soreness and lots of bloating. It is absolutely recommended that you have a heating pad and one like this one has gotten me through a LOT! You can read more about the egg retrieval process here.

5. Pill Organizer – Throughout this process, there are shots of course but there are also pills that you’ll take. I had to take estrogen, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory, and metformin (which was because of my poly-cystic ovary). I also took vitamins daily such as a probiotic, vitamin D, melatonin, and a pre-natal vitamin. These were all needed at different times and it can be nerve-wracking to try and remember to take everything at the right time. It can also be hard to remember if you just took something or not, trust me. This pill organizer has been a life saver and you can decide if you fill all your meds for the whole week or if you fill them each day. This is also great for travel because you can take just 1 day with you or a whole week.

6. Water Bottle – I cannot recommend enough that you stay hydrated. There will be a lot of hormones at play and you’ll need to drink lots of fluids to keep everything regulated in your body. Especially around your procedures, it is imperative that you drink enough fluids. I thought I was getting enough, but when I asked my nurse why I was feeling dizzy as my egg retrieval approached and nauseous when starting ;a new regimen, I only started feeling more normal when I upped my hydration level. This water bottle has been GREAT! It’s 64 ounces of heaven. I absolutely hate having to refill a water bottle all the time and yes this one is substantial, but I ALWAYS have water with me. I have the coral one and it’s so cute!

7. Prenatal Vitamin – I shared about the pill organizer that I use, but I thought you might be interested to know which prenatal vitamin I take. I have been taking this for months before I started the IVF process because it helps prepare your body for the experience and it becomes part of your routine once you become pregnant. This one by Nature Made has everything you and your baby will need. I especially like this one with DHA because that is so important for development.

8. Bandaids – When you’re preparing for embryo transfer, you’ll start taking progesterone. This injection is muscular so it gets injected into your upper buttocks. Sometimes, the fluid starts to come back out or there’s a little blood. This makes having bandaids on hand worth it, plus it can help you remember which side should be used that day. It’s especially fun to get bandaids that are cute or different. I thought these ones were pretty great.

9. Ice Pack – I know you’re probably thinking, we need a heating pad and an ice pack? The answer is yes, but it’s all based on preference. I used an ice pack when I first started taking shots to prepare for egg retrieval because they were administered in the stomach area. It was helpful to ice the area right after receiving the shot, but it could also be helpful to ice intramuscular shots if that is your preference. It all comes down to what feels most comfortable. It might be nice to have a good ice pack in case that’s what feels best for you.

10. Support System – This one is pretty important. If you have a partner through this journey, really lean into them. My husband was such a big help, he administered my shots and helped me through the emotions. If you don’t have a partner while going through this journey, definitely create a support system. Even if it’s one person you trust to help you through either the shots or just emotional support.

You’ve got this! Best of luck on your Journey!