Most clinics give you a printed list of what to bring on retrieval day, and most of those lists miss the things that actually make the day easier. Here's the list that comes from people who've actually been through it.
For the procedure itself
- Loose, comfortable clothes — drawstring trousers or a maxi dress, not jeans
- Easy slip-on footwear (you'll be groggy on the way out)
- A hairband or scrunchie
- Glasses if you wear contacts — you'll be asked to remove lenses before anaesthesia
- Your file with all reports, ID, and the consent forms the clinic asked you to bring
- Cash or a card — even cashless clinics sometimes need on-the-day extras
For after the procedure
- Pads (not tampons) — a few hours of light bleeding is common
- A small water bottle for the car ride home
- Lip balm — anaesthesia leaves your mouth dry
- A light shawl or stole — recovery rooms are often cold
- Plain crackers or a banana if you have a long ride home
For the partner / person waiting
- A fully charged phone and a charger — waits can be 3–5 hours
- A laptop or book if you don't want to scroll the whole time
- Snacks — clinic cafeterias close at odd hours
- The car seat reclined or a cushion ready for the ride home
The night before
- Pack the bag the night before, not on the morning of
- Set out the clothes you'll wear in the morning
- No food after the cut-off time the clinic gave you (usually midnight)
- No nail polish, no perfume, no jewellery on retrieval day
- Pre-pay or settle paperwork the day before if your clinic allows it
The day after
You'll likely feel bloated and tender for 2–3 days. Useful to have ready at home:
- Loose pyjamas — anything with a tight waistband will be unwearable
- Coconut water or electrolyte sachets (the clinic will tell you how much to drink)
- Soft, easy meals — khichdi, soup, curd rice
- A heating pad for cramps
- Whichever painkiller your clinic has approved (don't self-medicate)
- One easy show or a comfort book — nothing requiring brainpower
That's the whole list. Don't overthink it.