What To Eat While Trying To Get Pregnant

November 6, 2022

Dont Forget Your Prenatal Vitamin Supplements

The top foods to eat if you’re trying to get pregnant

The Rainbow Light Prenatal One Prenatal Vitamins + Superfoods contain probiotics. Theyre also non-GMO, vegetarian and gluten free. Make sure your body has the folic acid, iron, and calcium it needs to get pregnant and support a healthy pregnancy.

If you have any thoughts on these foods to avoid when youre trying to get pregnant, please comment below. I cant offer medical advice, though. Please talk to your health practitioner if youve been trying to conceive for over a year without success. It may not be a fertility diet you need.

And, peas are not a contraceptive. I noticed that people are finding this article by searching for foods that prevent contraception. There is no such thing!

Reduce Your Caffeine Intake

Research shows that consuming too much caffeine while you are trying to conceive can increase the risk of miscarriage. The research shows that this applies to both women and men. Too much caffeine in pregnancy has also been shown to be harmful to the developing baby.

If youre planning to conceive, you and your partner should consider limiting your caffeine intake to 200mg a day.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

A BMI of greater than 27 is associated with increased ovulatory dysfunction. In fact, both men and women should maintain a healthy weight to help boost fertility. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, men being overweight can alter hormone levels, cause poor sperm motility, and result in low sperm count. Exercise is beneficial, but if you have a BMI less than 25, limit vigorous exercise to five hours or less per week.

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Coffee Tea Chocolate Cola And Some Medications

Excessive caffeine can not only reduce your chances of getting pregnant, it can increase the risk of miscarriage. When youre trying to get pregnant, drink tea in moderation and stick to decaffeinated tea.

In Getting Pregnant Lauersen and Bouchez write, Cut out caffeine when you can, and when you cant, minimize consumption by taking into account your total daily intake from all sources. Single does or short-term use of caffeine-rich products wont cause infertility, but they are good things to avoid when youre trying to conceive.

Choose Whole Foods Over Processed Options

To harness the power of whole foods in action, consider eating more foods from the Mediterranean lifestyle. Typical foods eaten in the Mediterranean include whole grains and vegetables with less processed meat, which may protect against ovulatory dysfunction. Research such as a study in Advanced Nutrition has shown a relationship between the Mediterranean diet and fertility health.

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Eat Foods Rich In Antioxidants

Antioxidants like folate and zinc may improve fertility for both men and women. They deactivate the free radicals in your body, which can damage both sperm and egg cells.

One 2012 study of young, adult men found that eating 75 grams of antioxidant-rich walnuts per day improved sperm quality.

A study of 232 women showed that higher folate intake was associated with higher rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth.

The jury is still out on how much antioxidants will or wont affect fertility, but theres evidence pointing to the potential.

Foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains are packed full of beneficial antioxidants like vitamins C and E, folate, beta carotene, and lutein. Eating more of these healthy foods shouldnt hurt in the effort.

Processed Sugar And Refined Carbohydrates

Reducing your intake of foods and drinks loaded with processed sugar like sodas, refined carbohydrates with high-fructose corn syrup like white breads, and other carbs high in added sugars is recommended for all people, and especially those with PCOS. Thats because PCOS causes blood sugar issues, which can affect ovulation according to the Office on Womens Health. Cutting your intake of these high sugar items also helps with weight loss. Often even a small amount of weight loss can boost fertility and increase your chances of getting pregnant.

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As for how to get them? That might be a bit tougher than your good ol salmon. Fresh sardines are hard to find, but I always try to order them simply grilled at my favorite Mediterranean restaurants, Becker says. You can also find canned wild sardines at the store. Mix them with a little paleo mayo, lemon juice, and parsley, and enjoy them with your favorite gluten-free toast.

Don’t Ingest Too Much Mercury If You’re Trying To Get Pregnant

The Fertility Diet: What To Eat When Trying To Get Pregnant

If you’re a sushi nut, chances are you love chowing down a plate of spicy tuna rolls. Or perhaps you prefer your tuna seared on each side with a hint of lemon and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Unfortunately, either way, if you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to avoid tuna and other fish high in mercury. For one, mercury can decrease fertility, according to the journal Reproductive Toxicology.

It doesn’t stop there, as mercury can build up in your body and potentially harm the fetus, as noted by registered dietitian Suzanne Fisher. “The fetal nervous system is being formed before most women even know they are pregnant,” she revealed in an interview with Glamour.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t eat fish whatsoever when you’re trying to get pregnant thank goodness! Just be sure to opt for low-mercury fish like flounder, sole, canned sardines, or mussels, to name a few.

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Soybeans And Soy Foods

The plant form of estrogen in soybeans wont help when youre trying to get pregnant and its especially important to avoid high soy consumption if youre coping with infertility. For those trying to conceive, the excess estrogen activity is enough to induce a hormone imbalance that may affect egg production and ovulation, write the authors of Getting Pregnant.

Decrease your soy intake six months before you start trying to get pregnant, and remember that soy is hidden in foods such as tempeh, oils, flour, milk, and texturized vegetable protein . But, make sure you get enough protein! Learn how protein increases female fertility.

Stop Smoking Alcohol And Drugs Limit Caffeine

If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs, you should stop before you get pregnant. They can:

Make it harder for you to get pregnant
Increase the chance of miscarriage

If you need help quitting smoking, alcohol, or drugs, talk to your doctor or midwife.

Alcohol can harm a growing fetus , even in small amounts. Drinking alcohol while you are pregnant can cause long-term problems for your baby, such as intellectual disability, behavioral issues, learning disabilities, and facial and heart defects.

Smoking is bad for unborn babies and puts your child at greater risk of health problems later in life.

Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with a lower birth weight.

Smoking also makes it harder for you to recover from your pregnancy.

Drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor can be dangerous for you to take at any point in your life.

You should also cut down on caffeine when you are trying to get pregnant. Women who daily consume more than 2 cups of coffee or 5 cans of soda that contains caffeine may have a harder time getting pregnant and a greater chance of miscarriage.

Limit unnecessary medicines or supplements. Discuss with your provider about both prescribed and over-the-counter medicines and supplements you take before you try to conceive. Most medicines have some risks, but many have unknown risks and have not been thoroughly studied for safety. If medicines or supplements are not absolutely necessary, do not take them.

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Fertility Foods To Eat During Your Follicular Phase

During the follicular phase, your body is working hard to develop a dominant follicle and estrogen levels are on the rise. Unfortunately, women who are struggling with fibroids and endometriosis often have too much estrogen . Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, kale, cabbage and cauliflower contain a phytonutrient called di-indolylmethane , which can help women metabolize estrogen better, says Blakeway. In fact, DIM binds to environmental estrogens like pesticides and hormones in meat and dairy products, helping rid the body of excess estrogen. Just dont forget to have some olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds with those leafy greens. These foods are loaded with vitamin E, which is found in the fluid of the follicle thats housing your egg.

Foods that support follicle development like nuts, seeds, green vegetables, legumes, eggs and fish.

Alcoholit affects hormonal balance. Its also dehydrating and the loss of water in the body may make cervical mucus too thick, says Blakeway.

Chicken and broccoli stir fry with cashews and brown rice.

Know The Best Fertility Foods For Males

Eat These Foods If Youre Trying to Get Pregnant

It’s easy to forget that a male partner can bring a full 50% to the baby-making table. “I’m not saying treat your partner like a child, but if you cook and eat at home together, help make veggies a focus on his plate,” Krieger says. Vitti advises male partners to eat asparagus, sunflower seeds, and other foods rich in zinc to prevent testosterone from being converted to estrogen.

They may also need to pass on the cheese plate for better male fertility: High dairy intake has been linked to poor sperm motility and concentration. You can also encourage them to take daily vitamins. Prenatal vitamins on the market come in packs with the vitamins for male fertility, including vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, and lycopene.

Also, selenium is fantastic for sperm motility, and the number-one source is Brazil nuts. “Have a nice big bowl that your guy can crack open,” Krieger says. Another superfood is oysters. On top of their supposed aphrodisiac properties, the bivalves are rich in zinc, vitamin B12, and protein.

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Fertility Nutrition Guide: What To Eat When Trying To Get Pregnant

The term fertility diet was coined after extensive research was completed at the Harvard School of Public Health on the relationship between diet and anovulatory infertility . The study showed that following a fertility diet can influence fertility in healthy women and in women experiencing ovulation issues.

The fertility diet is intended to help women focus on:

Healthy, monounsaturated oils/fats, especially olive oil and avocados, instead of trans fats
Vegetable protein sources like beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds rather than animal protein
Whole grains and low glycemic carbohydrates, and

Organic, high-fat dairy

In addition, I also suggest:

eating organic when possible especially with your proteins, fats and the produce listed on EWGs dirty dozen
avoiding toxins in your foods and associated food prep items, and
eating lots and lots of colorful vegetables every day

If you are trying to get pregnant, ask yourself is my diet packed with foods that will help support my fertility?

Our fertility nutrition guide, along with a good quality prenatal and a few other nutrients, can help optimize your bodys functions no matter if you are trying to get pregnant the old-fashioned way or are working to conceive through IVF.

Here is how to dine your way to optimal fertility health:

Fruits and Vegetables

Healthy Fats

Complex Carbohydrates

Protein

I also want to call out a fertility superfood – EGGS!

Water

Whole, Organic Foods

Work Closely With Your Doctor

One critical component of increasing fertility is to work closely with your doctor or healthcare team and to do your best to take their advice. According to the Office on Womens Health, you should talk to your provider if youre younger than 35 and havent conceived after one year of frequent sex without birth control.

If youre over 35, this timespan decreases to six months. Its also a good idea to make an appointment with your OB-GYN if you suspect fertility problems or decreased sexual function or libido.

Natural Ways To Boost Fertility

Best Fertility Diet â What to eat to get pregnant

up to 15 percent of couples. The road to parenthood can sometimes be a huge challenge, but know youre not alone in those challenges.

Luckily, there are a few natural ways to increase your fertility. In fact, food choices and lifestyle changes can help boost fertility.

Here are 16 natural ways to boost fertility and get pregnant faster.

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Tips For Trying To Conceive

If you are trying to get pregnant in the next three to six months, then planning for pregnancy is one of the best steps you can take to boost your fertility and increase your odds of conception. While there are foods that may help boost your fertility, keep in mind there is no one specific magical food that will get you pregnant. For example, a Mediterranean diet is one eating pattern that has been shown to boost odds for conception, but it may not work for everyone. You’ll also want to add a prenatal vitamin to your daily regimen, and stop using hormonal birth control, if you’re on one. Hormonal birth control can contribute to nutrient deficiencies, particularly B vitamins such as folate, so taking the time to rebuild those nutrient reserves is key when planning for a healthy pregnancy.Finally, remember that “it takes two to tango,” so preconception and nutrition counseling is important for both partners. This is a period to evaluate not only your nutrition, but your overall lifestyle including sleep, movement, bloodwork, stress, and smoke and alcohol consumption as these can significantly impact your odds of conception and a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Avoid Fad Dieting If You’re Trying To Get Pregnant

When you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s important to avoid any fad dieting, even if you’re trying to get to a healthier body weight. “Restrictive diets are not only difficult and not science-based, but they can also put you at risk for nutrient deficiencies,” says registered dietitian Amanda A. Kostro Miller. “Being nutrient deficient can have a huge impact on your overall health and the health of a small fetus.” That’s especially true when it comes to nutrients like folic acid, which are super critical for the fetus in the earliest stages of pregnancy.

So rather than try out juice cleansing or the keto diet, or eschewing real food in favor of protein shakes, Kostro Miller says to focus instead on eating a healthy and well-rounded diet. “Most women even need special supplementation right around the time of conception,” she continued. “So talk to your doctor about when and what supplements you will need to take.”

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Avoid Smoking Cannabis If You’re Trying To Get Pregnant

Cannabis use is on the rise among adults in the United States, thanks to legalization for medicinal and recreational purposes, according to Science Daily. But if you’re a regular marijuana smoker who’s trying to get pregnant, you should stop smoking, says reproductive endocrinologist and fertility expert Dr. David Diaz. “Whether smoking tobacco or marijuana, excessive use of either can lead to a decrease in the couple’s fertility,” he explained to The List. “Marijuana can lead to low sperm motility and diminished libido, thereby reducing lovemaking.” And that’s the last thing you need if you’re trying to have a baby!

Don’t go reaching for the edibles, tinctures, or patches either, as they can harm your unborn baby, according to the CDC. Specifically, THC has been shown to cause low birth weight and slow down development, as well as increase the baby’s risk of learning disorders later in life. So, total cessation is the way to go.

Don’t Skip Breakfast When Trying To Get Pregnant

The Prepregnancy Diet: What to Eat When You

There’s merit to the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially if you’re trying to get pregnant. That’s especially the case if you have polycystic ovary syndrome , which can be a major factor when it comes to infertility.

According to a 2013 study in the journal Clinical Science, women with PCOS who ate a large breakfast saw improvement in their hormonal health. Additionally, for women who were categorized as having a “normal” weight, eating the majority of their daily calories in the morning reduced both insulin and testosterone levels, both of which can cause infertility. Furthermore, these women were shown to ovulate more than women who ate a smaller breakfast and a larger dinner.

There is one caveat, which is you should decrease the size of your other meals if you increase your breakfast size in order to avoid weight gain.