The benefits of a healthy diet are ever-far-reaching because what you eat can affect your mental and physical health. But having a healthy diet can also affect your fertility, as good nutrition can provide your future child with the healthiest possible environment during your pregnancy, starting from conception. Keeping a healthy plate and managing good weight can also be good for moms, as good nutrition can be used to prevent pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and pre-eclampsia. Below, we’ll be offering some vital suggestions for changes in your diet to help you achieve a healthier pregnancy.
What Foods Are Good For Fertility?
So if you’re trying to conceive, then what foods should be in your cabinet? Here are some nutritional suggestions that we recommend for a healthy diet and healthy pregnancy:
- Folic Acid: Folic acid is considered stable for pregnant women as this nutrient helps prevent neural tube defects, a condition that affects the brain and spine. Women can get folic acids from dark leafy greens such as romaine lettuce and swiss chard, and folic acid supplements can also be an excellent way for your body to gain vital nutrients as long as your OB/GYN recommends it.
- Iron-Rich Foods: One of the biggest causes of infertility is anovulation, a disorder causing women not to menstruate. Women who don’t menstruate don’t release eggs during ovulation, and while many treatments can help with anovulation, iron-rich foods can help stimulate the ovulation cycle. Some good iron-rich foods include beans, eggs, cereals, and whole grains.
- No Trans Fats: Women who suffer from anovulation will also most likely have a diet rich in trans fats. Trans fats are a specific type of fat that can increase the risk of heart disease and often come from fried foods, frozen dinners, and nondairy coffee creamer. To supplement this, healthy fats such as monosaturated fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oils can help keep your body healthy.
- Full-Fat Dairy: While skim milk and 2% milk can help cut out fat from diets, whole milk, yogurts, and even ice cream are rich in calcium. Calcium can be used to assist in iron absorption and helps your baby grow strong bones and teeth. However, whole milk and full-fat dairy should still be limited to about 8 to 12 ounces daily to maintain weight.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates, including whole grains, vegetables, brown rice, and fruits, can be used to keep insulin levels stable during pregnancy and help you feel full longer. Because of these benefits, it has a greater chance of reducing the risk of gestational diabetes and can keep your womanly figure in shape after your delivery.
Contact Your Local Fetal Medicine Specialist Today!
Before beginning any diet, always speak with your OB/GYN about your nutritional needs. Investing in your diet, fertility rates, physical health, and baby’s health can protect good nutrients from complications. If you’re experiencing any complications, speak with your fetal medicine specialist to learn more about your treatment options.
