As we continue into the holiday season, it is important to take a look at the lifestyle choices we make each day. Modifiable lifestyle practices such as diet, weight, alcohol, and caffeine consumption, have an important impact on your chances of not only have a child but having a healthy child.
Awareness of the potential implications of these factors, particularly during early fetal development (week 3 to week 8 of pregnancy), provides an opportunity to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Diet
Fertility rates are clearly decreased among over- and underweight women. Obese (BMI > 35) and underweight (BMI < 19) women have a two- to four-fold increase in the amount of time that it takes to achieve conception.1 Moreover studies have consistently shown that fertility treatments are less successful at the extremes of body weight; however, by normalizing weight, a woman increases her chances of pregnancy and live birth.
While body weight has been shown to impact pregnancy outcomes, there is little data to suggest that restrictive diets, such as vegetarian or low-fat diets, improve fertility. A well-balanced diet along with a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid is essential to a healthy pregnancy.
It is critical that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive take steps to avoid bacterial infections such as salmonella, campylobacter and listeria, and limit methyl mercury consumption which may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Some foods to avoid while pregnant or pursuing pregnancy:
- Unwashed fruits & vegetables
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurized milk
- Undercooked meats (including sushi)
- Raw eggs
- Coldwater fish (including shark, swordfish, mackerel)
- Tuna (limit to two 85 gram meals per week)
Alcohol
The effect of alcohol on female fertility has not been clearly delineated. Some studies suggest that alcohol consumption adversely affects female fertility. One study of more than 7,000 women noted that the risk of infertility was increased nearly 60% among those women who consumed more than two alcoholic drinks per day.2
As a result, alcohol consumption should be limited when attempting conception and should stop altogether during pregnancy, as there is no safe level of alcohol consumption that has been established.
Caffeine
Most evidence has suggested that moderate caffeine consumption, one to two cups of coffee per day, before or during pregnancy does not adversely impact pregnancy outcomes or fertility chances. However, caffeine consumption of more than five cups of coffee per day has been associated with a 45% decrease in pregnancy. Moreover, miscarriage is increased among women who consume more than two cups of coffee per day.
In the end, there are important modifiable dietary considerations when attempting conception and in early pregnancy. Recognizing these dietary factors should help to improve your chances of a fertile future.
References:
- Hassan, M. A. and S. R. Killick (2004). “Negative lifestyle is associated with a significant reduction in fecundity.” Fertil Steril 81(2): 384-392.
- Eggert, J., H. Theobald, et al. (2004). “Effects of alcohol consumption on female fertility during an 18-year period.” Fertil Steril 81(2): 379-383.
