Trying to conceive can be a difficult process for some couples. Conception is an important period and you should be careful when trying to get pregnant. Wondering, which foods should you avoid while trying to conceive? Then we are here to tell you about those foods.
- Processed Foods
Say no to all processed foods when you are trying to conceive. They are high in unhealthy fats, sugar, salt and very low in nutrients. Processed foods also contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors that harm your body. Ultra-processed foods include frozen or ready meals, packaged breads, breakfast cereals, instant noodles, soups, ice creams, sodas, sweetened drinks, pastries, pizza, and more.
You should shift your focus from processed foods to healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and more. They contain essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary while you are trying to conceive. While looking for other healthy options you can also follow a diet plan after consulting the Best Gynaecologist in Lucknow.
- Excessive Alcohol
Some women consider that a low amount of alcohol is ‘fine’ but it is not. As per the chief medical officers of the UK, you should not drink any alcohol if you are trying to get pregnant. There is ‘no safe’ level of alcohol to drink when you are pregnant. You may not know but alcohol can lead to irregular periods, no periods, or heavy periods. This can make it more difficult for you to conceive successfully. You can improve your fertility and risk of pregnancy complications by quitting alcohol.
- High Mercury Fish
Some fish contain high levels of mercury in them and it can be toxic for the nervous system of your baby when you get pregnant. Sharks, rays, swordfish, gemfish, ling, and other fishes contain high levels of mercury. Most gynecologists also recommend reducing fish intake before you get pregnant or while you are trying to get pregnant.
Also Read – Prevent Gynecological Issues: Essential Diet Tips
- Excessive Caffeine
Even the experts of Best Gynaecologist Hospital in Lucknow, suggest that excessive caffeine can interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive by affecting the way her body absorbs nutrients. It can also increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. According to the European Food Safety Authority, if you want to conceive then you should keep caffeine consumption below 200 mg. You can discuss with your gynecologist about how much caffeine is safe for you to consume during pregnancy. It may take longer for women to conceive if they consume large amounts of caffeine every day.
- High-Sugar Drinks or Foods
High-sugar drinks or foods can also lower your fertility and can cause the aging of internal organs which also includes the reproductive system. High-sugar foods reduce egg quality and negatively impact the success rate of pregnancy. The consumption of sugary drinks can also reduce the number of viable eggs. Several complications are also related to high sugar complications such as weight gain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other issues.
- Low Dairy Products
High intake of low-fat dairy foods may increase the risk of anovulatory infertility. Your menstrual cycle can also get disturbed. Whereas Women who ate full-fat dairy products at least once per day had a 25% lower risk of fertility from ovulatory disorders, compared with women who ate these foods less frequently.
- Raw Meat or Processed Meat
Raw meat or processed meat may taste delicious and it can decrease the quality of egg. Processed meat and raw meat have higher hormonal residues which can impact your health too. Eating raw meat also puts you at risk of some of the most serious types of food poisoning. If you are infected while you are pregnant, you can pass the disease on to your baby increasing your risk for miscarriage.
- Soy-Based Foods
People who don’t eat meat usually go with soy foods. Soy foods can impact your fertility and success rate of conceiving because they have higher concentrations of phytoestrogens. If you are trying to conceive then you should eat soy foods in moderation. It can also lead to an imbalance that could impair endocrine function, egg production, and ovulation. Soy can be a healthy protein replacement for vegetarian people but when you are going through fertility treatment then you should eat it after consulting your fertility specialist.
- Raw Eggs
Raw eggs contain the virus salmonella and it may cause food poisoning. That’s why it is necessary to avoid eating raw eggs when you are trying to conceive. During pregnancy, food poisoning can cause serious health problems for you and your baby, including premature birth or stillbirth. Cooking raw eggs, meat, or fish can fully kill Salmonella and does not contain harmful elements.
- Unpasteurized Milk
Unpasteurized milk-based foods can be dangerous for your health while you are trying to conceive. If milk is pasteurized, it’s been heated to kill germs then it is safe to use.
Conclusion
When you are trying to conceive then you should be cautious about your foods. It is better to consult with your gynecologist for the right diet plan to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Also Read – How To Choose The Right Gynaecology Hospital?