Trying To Get Pregnant? Avoid These 4 Foods Right Now!

If you and your partner have mutually decided to jump on the baby bandwagon, it’s time to do some more thinking than you already have. That’s because you have to make changes to your lifestyle not only after conception but also before conception.

Dietary changes, especially, will take center-stage. You will have to make a long list of things you shouldn’t do as well as things you should. If you don’t know where to start, we are here to help.

We present to you the foods you should avoid like the plague and things you should put on your checklist right now.

In This Article

1. Ditch fish with high mercury

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The American Pregnancy Association recommends that you cut down on high mercury as it can interfere with your fertility and cause issues [1]. So that means no more tuna, or swordfish, or even halibut for that matter. However, if you must eat fish that contains mercury, the website recommends that you shouldn’t have more than 12 ounces of low mercury fish in a week, and no more than 6 ounces of high mercury fish per month. The highest mercury fish should be avoided at all costs.

2. Stop slurping on fruit juices and sodas

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While certain studies say that juices do not affect your fertility in any way, certain other studies convince you otherwise. Despite the conflict on it, you should avoid juices and soda as they contain high amounts of sugar, which can certainly affect your fertility for the worse [2]. You should also cut back on trans-fat that is present in processed and packaged foods. Consuming an excess of trans-fats can lead to infertility.

3. Put a limit on alcohol

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It’s time to raise your hand and say ‘no’ when someone comes to fill up that empty glass in your hand. In fact, excess alcohol consumption can not only impact your fertility levels but also lead to miscarriage when you get pregnant [3].

If you must drink, put a tab on it and try not to have more than a glass or two. Tell your partner to cut down his alcohol consumption too as it can affect his sperm quality.

4. Lose the fat

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And both kinds of fat – fatty food as well as its result that is visible on your body. A high BMI (body mass index) can mess up your ovulation cycle, bringing about irregular ovulation. Ideally, you should have a BMI between 24 and 30 as that is when your fertility is at its peak [4]. So make sure you exercise and get your BMI back to normal.

Now, these were the things you should avoid. What about the things you should do? Here’s a list.

1. Check your thyroid levels

Hypothyroidism can affect your ovulation and may make it extremely difficult for you to get pregnant. Hence, it’s important you get a check-up done.

2. Get vaccinated

You should take certain vaccine shots before getting pregnant, in order to have a complication-free pregnancy. These include MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) shots.

3. Have supplements regularly

Folic acid supplements are a must and you should start having them three months before you start trying. These can boost your fertility and aid in conception.

Following a few dietary and medical rules is not enough to have a healthy pregnancy. Especially if you are stressed out all the time. You need to lower your stress levels too so that your baby-making ability remains unaffected. For any other doubts, be sure to get in touch with your doctor.

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