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Guide to peace of mind before egg retrieval: Make these 8 preparations to escort your pregnancy journey
Source: LelaiwaPublished: 2026-04-21
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The egg collection will be tomorrow. Are you looking forward to it and a little nervous? In addition to their hope for the results, many expectant mothers are also full of questions about "what can and cannot do" before surgery. A successful egg retrieval is inseparable from the superb technology of the medical team and your meticulous and comprehensive cooperation.
By preparing yourself in the following eight aspects, you can put aside unnecessary concerns and approach the operating room with confidence.
This part is the top priority to ensure your life safety, so please be sure to implement it strictly.
,.
·Why: Under general anesthesia, the protective reflex of the throat will temporarily disappear.
· Why:,.If food or water in the stomach flows back into the trachea, it can cause fatal aspiration pneumonia or suffocation. This is the exclusive and most important reason for fasting and water before anesthesia.
Morningsurgery: After 12:00 midnight the night before, eating any food (including snacks, milk) is prohibited.
:12,(,).Drinking water is prohibited after getting up in the morning on the day of surgery.
:8.You can drink a small amount of water, but you must start completely banning water 2 hours before the procedure.
:."Just a sip" and "just a piece of candy" can carry risks and can lead to the postponement or cancellation of the surgery.
·Must take: Please use all medicines prescribed for you by the reproductive center during this cycle (such as night injections) strictly in accordance with the prescribed time.
· It is necessary to take this medication regularly:(),.When taking medicine, you can only take a small sip of water.
· It is necessary to consult with a professional:If you have been taking antihypertensive drugs, diabetes medications, or anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin and warfarin for a long time, it is essential to consult with your reproductive doctor and anesthesiologist in advance to determine the appropriate medication regimen on the day of the surgery. Anticoagulants usually need to be discontinued before the surgery.
· It must be prohibited:Do not take any medications, health products, herbal remedies, or homeopathic treatments without consulting a doctor first.
Adequate preparations for items and travel will make you and your family more relaxed on the day.
Proper preparation of all necessary items and itinerary will ensure that you and your family can enjoy the day more comfortably.
Documents: ID cards of both spouses, original marriage certificates, all relevant medical records and examination reports.
▶ Document files:Original ID cards of both spouses, marriage certificate, all relevant medical records and examination reports.
Sanitary napkin: There may be a small amount of vaginal bleeding after surgery.
Sanitary pads: There may be a small amount of vaginal bleeding after the operation.
Mug and snacks: After the surgery, it is advisable to drink warm water. Also, prepare some easily digestible foods such as bread or biscuits to help replenish energy.
Loose coat: The temperature in the operating room is quite low, so it’s important to keep warm after surgery.
slippers/slippery shoes: comfortable to wear, easy to put on and take off.
Dressing: Choose loose, open-button clothing (such as cardigans, dresses) and avoid jumpsuits and skinny jeans.
Dressing:,(,),,.This not only makes it easier to put on and remove surgical gowns, but also avoids being restrained when abdominal pain occurs after surgery.
Appearance:(),,.The anesthesiologist needs to determine the blood oxygen status in real time through the color of your nails, lips and complexion. Any covering may affect observation.
Must be accompanied: This is a hard rule.
Someone must accompany you during this process..After anesthesia, you will experience varying degrees of dizziness and fatigue. You must be accompanied by an adult family member or relative throughout the process, responsible for transportation, communication and care.
Self-driving is prohibited.On the day of the surgery and within 24 hours after the operation, it is absolutely necessary not to drive by yourself.
Your relaxed and stable state is also a positive contribution to the operation.
Please stay relaxed and maintain a stable state of mind. This is also an important contribution to the success of the surgery.
You can shower normally the night before surgery to keep your body clean.
It is acceptable to take a shower on the night before surgery, as long as you keep your body clean.
Avoid using shower gels, perfumes, or other skincare products with strong odors, to prevent affecting the air quality in the operating room.
It is necessary to abstain from sexual activity for 3 to 7 days before egg retrieval, in order to ensure that the semen quality is good on the day of the procedure.
Let go of the fear of pain: Currently, egg retrieval operations are generally performed under intravenous anesthesia. The process is like "sleeping". When you wake up, the operation has been completed. The main feeling is slight abdominal distension similar to menstruation.
Overcome your fear of pain:Currently, egg retrieval procedures are generally performed under intravenous anesthesia. The process is similar to sleeping peacefully, with the surgery being completed once you wake up. The main sensation during the procedure is a slight bloating, similar to that experienced during menstruation.
Let go of excessive worries:,.Trust your doctor and embryo laboratory team.
Try to get a good night’s sleep.:,,,.Set the alarm clock and rest in peace.
The night before the operation, please check this list for the last time: Are the documents complete?
,:?Is the alarm clock set? Has the departure time been confirmed with the accompanying family members?
,“”.Your rigorous and meticulous preparation is an important cornerstone for the smooth progress of this battle. Please mark these items as caring and responsible for yourself. Tomorrow, please feel free to hand yourself over to a professional medical team. When you wake up, the hope of new life will start a magical journey in the laboratory. I wish you all the best!



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