Nutrition and Diet for Fertility

Whether you are just starting out on your fertility journey, or you've been trying to get pregnant for a while, The IVF Network is here to answer your questions on nutrition. If you and your partner are looking to improve your chances of conception your diet might seem like an easy place to start. So, what is a fertility diet and can the foods you eat really affect your fertility? 

What is a fertility diet?

A diet refers to the food you eat and the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you get from it. When you are trying to get pregnant, you might need to be more aware of the food you are eating. A fertility diet refers to a diet which is recommended to couples who want to conceive. At its core, it's a balanced diet with a variety of healthy foods. 

It's important to remember that what you eat doesn't guarantee conception or a healthy baby. However, having a healthy lifestyle and diet can improve your fertility chance. As can eliminating specific foods from your diet.  

Foods to add to your fertility diet

There have been studies showing that including certain foods and supplements in your diet has a positive effect on your fertility. It is recommended you eat a balanced, healthy diet, such as a Mediterranean diet. This diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, nuts, legumes and olive oil.  

Fruit, vegetables and whole grains contain complex carbohydrates, which keep blood sugar levels stable, and this, in turn, can improve fertility. Eating Greek-style yoghurt and eggs is great for the health and brain function of the unborn baby. Higher intakes of plant protein, such as lentils, nuts, and seeds, are also beneficial. Other foods women trying to conceive can add to their diet are pomegranate, walnuts, sunflower seeds, liver, asparagus, salmon, sardines, avocados, olives, leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes and watermelons.   

When altering your diet, even if it introduces more healthy foods, you should eat them in moderation. Eating large quantities of some of the foods listed above can be harmful rather than beneficial.  

Pregnancy supplements   

In addition to a healthy diet, many doctors recommend that females take a prenatal vitamin daily. If taking this vitamin, it is advised to start a month before trying to get pregnant. It is not essential to take a prenatal vitamin, but there are a few specific supplements to include in your fertility diet. Many women experience vitamin D and iodine deficiencies, and these are present in the prenatal vitamin. They are important because they are used to control blood concentrations in the body and therefore have a vital link to pregnancy. The prenatal supplement also includes folic acid, vitamin B12 and omega 3, which are advice for women trying to conceive.  

Folic acid

Studies show that women are more likely to conceive while taking folic acid supplements. Folate, the dietary equivalent of folic acid, can be found naturally in brussels sprouts, asparagus, fortified cereals, legumes and...