Holistic Fertility Support

Your lifestyle is particularly important in women and couples who are trying to get pregnant. Poor diet, smoking, recreational drug use and being overweight or underweight all have adverse effects on fertility.

The importance of diet when trying to conceive

A healthy diet and weight is beneficial for fertility, as well as for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Both women and men should aim to maintain a normal weight and a healthy BMI of between 18.5 – 30, which is considered to give the best chance of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.

Women who are not ovulating, or have no periods at all, may find that restoring their weight to the recommended range can restore ovulation & correct irregularities in their menstrual cycle. Also, being significantly underweight or overweight during pregnancy increases risks for both mother and baby.

• Optimise your nutrition and your general health
• Talk to your GP well in advance to address any chronic condition such as diabetes, coeliac disease, mental health, thyroid illness, high blood pressure
• Be a healthy weight with a normal BMI ideally in the range of 18.5-30kg/m2
  • If you are overweight, reducing your weight to an acceptable level improves your fertility.
  • If you are underweight, gaining weight improves hormonal function and reduces risk of miscarriage.
  • You should aim to reach your target weight at least 3-6 months before you plan to get pregnant.
• Take folic acid 400mcg tablet daily
• Improve your iron stores and address any anaemia by improving your diet
• A multivitamin may be useful as well as a healthy diet, but not instead of dietary changes
• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol excessively or use drugs
• Reduced your caffeine intake
• Discuss vaccinations with your GP
• If you are on prescription drugs, check with your doctor

What is a healthy diet for fertility for men and women?

• Starchy carbohydrate for energy- about half your plate (or 2 handfuls) at each meal, or more if you are very active.
• Choose wholegrains
• Reduce simple sugar
• Include lots of vegetables of all kinds for fibre, vitamins and minerals
• Moderate protein x 2 a day. Meat, chicken, fish & seafood are iron rich and contain zinc. Oily fish are also rich in omega 3 fatty acids & vitamin D. Aim to eat red meat 3 times a week and oily fish once a week.
• Increase your intake of vegetable protein by including peas, beans, lentils, and chickpeas instead of meat. e.g. Aim to go meat free once a week.
• Include fruit for vitamins & fibre
• Include dairy products such as milk, cheese & yogurts for calcium & vitamin D
• Include foods like nuts, seeds, olives & avocado for the healthy fats & oils and antioxidants like selenium

Infertility and the process of fertility treatments can be a stressful time. The process can be made easier by being able to talk to someone, so we suggest that all patients and couples see our counsellor at least once.

To arrange an appointment, please contact us.

Acupuncture can be effective both before and during fertility treatment, assisting with hormone stimulation, ovulation and embryo implantation.

Please contact us for more information.