How to Thicken Uterine Lining Quickly and Naturally

Sometimes in IVF you need to thicken your uterine lining FAST to get that uterus nice and cushy for the embryo to implant. But, whether you are going through IVF or trying to conceive naturally, a thick and healthy uterine lining, or endometrium, is essential to implantation and conception. An endometrium that is the proper thickness and rich in nutrients is more inviting to an embryo looking for a soft, cushy place to land. A thinner uterine lining can lead to failed implantation during IVF or while trying to conceive. An optimal endometrial thickness is between 7mm and 8mm thick, however it is still possible to get pregnant with a lining thinner or thicker than that, you’ll just have to follow your doctor’s recommendations.

When thickening your uterine lining, it is important to focus on blood-building foods and nutrients, a high protein diet, and ways to increase blood flow to the uterus. Here’s how to thicken your uterine lining quickly and naturally.

Blood-Building Foods and Nutrients

I learned about blood-building foods from my acupuncturist that recommended I try to include them in my diet for a month or so before my frozen embryo transfer. Blood-building foods are basically foods rich in Iron, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid. These are all nutrients you want to focus on when trying to conceive anyway, but these foods will help you produce more red blood cells to help increase your uterine lining. Blood nourishing foods include:

• Plenty of good quality organic meats, especially lean red meat
• Daily Bone Broth
• Beets
• Cooked dark leafy greens, like spinach, kale and broccoli
• Kelp and Spirulina
• Beans and Lentils
• Dried figs
• If you’re SUPER committed – beef or chicken liver

(You can read more about all of these foods and how they affect Fertility and IVF Success HERE. And, check out my Fertility Salad Recipe that includes foods to thicken uterine lining HERE.)

AVOID: 

• Sugar
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Soy
• Peas (They are a natural contraceptive)

(Here is a list of everything you should avoid while Trying to Conceive.)

High Protein Diet

Eating a high protein diet, including the blood-nourishing boosters I listed above, will quickly build your uterine lining by building more blood. When I underwent IVF, I focused on a diet that was about 40% Protein, 30% Carbohydrates, and 30% Fats the month before my Embryo transfer. I made sure to include all of my blood-building foods, daily bone broth, and nutrients in the daily diary to make sure I was getting what I needed to build a healthy uterine lining. HERE are some easy ways to boost your daily Protein intake.

Ways to Increase Blood Flow to the Uterus

This is a big one, and also an easy one. Increasing the blood flow to your uterus will help thicken your endometrial lining simply by carrying more blood and oxygen to the area. There are many foods to help increase circulation, but exercise is one of the best ways to increase circulation to your uterus. Here’s how to increase circulation to your uterus to help boost uterine lining thickness:

• Exercise – a brisk 30 minute walk everyday leading up to your embryo transfer or ovulation date should do it. Or, gentle yoga and pilates are great, too.
• Acupuncture – Acupuncture not only circulates more blood to the uterus to thicken lining, but it has also been shown to vascularize the lining as well, making it especially good for implantation. (Read more about Acupuncture HERE.
• Berries – Eating antioxidant rich foods like berries, especially Blueberries and Raspberries, will help increase circulation.
• Pomegranate Juice – This one is one of those that may be considered an Old Wive’s Tale. However, Pomegranates are chock full of antioxidants that boost circulation. Plus, it is a great replacement for red wine during a time you can’t have it. So, why not try?!

You can also check out the IVF Meal Plan here.

Have you had success in thickening your uterine lining? Comment below with the methods that you used! Good luck!