Eat to get pregnant
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When you're trying to have a baby, there's more to it than just having sex on the right days. What you and your partner eat can have a big impact on how easily and quickly you conceive.
New research suggests that your diet during pregnancy could even determine the sex of your baby. A study found that mums-to-be who ate a high-calorie diet and had breakfast on a regular basis were more likely to give birth to a baby boy than those who did not.
There has been a rise in the amount of girls being born in recent years and scientists are now considering whether this could be linked to the amount of people who no longer make time for a proper breakfast and the increased popularity of low calorie diets.
Nutritionist Victoria Greaves explains what to eat if you're trying to get pregnant.
Fertility boosting food
- Eat eight portions of organic fruit and veg daily. These contain low levels of pesticides and have higher nutritional content than non-organic.
- Switch all animal produce over to organic. Non-organic meat and dairy products contain growth hormones and antibiotics.
- Switch all white refined foods to brown wholefoods. It's estimated that 80 per cent of zinc is removed from wheat to make white bread last longer.
- Drink eight glasses of filtered water or herbal/fruit teas. This will help flush out excess toxins.
- Cut out caffeine in all its forms - coffee, strong tea and chocolate. It's been linked to low fertility.
- Eat little and often to sustain your blood sugar levels. Excessive drops in blood sugar can release too much adrenalin and this may block progesterone, which maintains pregnancy.
- Fill up on fibre. It's essential for fertility as it keeps the bowels regular. Eat plenty of wholegrains, fruit and vegetables.
- Don't be afraid of fats - just eat the good ones. That's oily fish (mackerel, salmon etc), sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
- Next: His and hers fertility-boosting nutrients
Read more on fertility and conception
- Zita West's conception tips
- How to boost your fertility
- Having problems conceiving?
- How to boost your chances of getting pregnant
- Treatments for infertility
- Have you had problems conceiving? Talk to other women now by clicking on the goodtoknow chat forum
By Victoria Greaves
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Mrs,tonykingsly, 7 months
I'm 36 years I had a stillbirth to my first child january,20, 2008 accoding to the scan the scan result indicated that the baby died five days before birth, and since then i and my spouse have been trying following the fertility calendar my june menstual circle was 6 to 8 June-2009, it lasted three days. My July menstrual circle was 1 to 3 July- 2009. pls kindly tell me what to do and when is my fertility days and ovulation day pls. Thanks.
Report this comment30 something, 7 months
I'm 33 and after reading this am thinking I should get me skates on and come off the pill! my husband is 12 years older than me and panic is starting to set in!
Report this commentnoble, 11 months
I am 32 years and had a baby boy who is 5yrs now since then getting pregant is a problem. my doctor told me that i ovulates but i can't get pregnat after 3 yrs of trial. pls, is there anythin i can do.
Report this commentMrs. Thomas, about 1 year
Im 32 years old and trying to get pregnant for the first time. After reading this article Im abit worried about the drinking of tea that my husband 41 yeas old drinks. Please can you tell me! Is this English ordinary tea linked to low fertility as well?? Does it afect the sperms of the man too? I dont drik that tea at all but I drink half cup of coffee every morning. Other wise I have a headache. Please can anybody help me with this information.??? Thanks!!!
Report this commentzoe, over 2 years
I think this is a very usefull article me and my partner have been trying for a few years now its become such a routine we have practically forgotton about it well attempted to anyway. i been to countless apointments and had recent blood tests done to check for things like diabetes but i dont want to much help with falling pregnant not just yet. the main problem we have is i am very under weight hence the tests ive tried evrything to put on wieght and am now on about changing my diet all together and eating alot better. in the hope it will help. being underwight i also have irregular cycles which sucks i might add i am not underwieht through any fault of my own i dont force myself to be like this so ive taken notes of this info and am going to fill my shopping trolly with all the right things when i go shopping. fingers crossed!
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angie, 5 months
We have been trying for 2 years to have a baby, I have just turned 40 my hubbie is 43 and works abroad. So much for get a good job and get things in order before a baby. Do nt put off a min longer, go for it now. I am trying everything, anything now to have a baby. Not at IVF yet as my doctor will not refer me to go private yet, more test and temperature testing. My friend fell when she had sex while taking her temperature so fingers crossed...
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