Couples in the process of starting a family often fail to consider nutrition until a pregnancy is confirmed. At that stage, we might look up what we can and cannot eat, the best foods for your baby, and how eating can help us to feel our best.
While diet is important for a healthy pregnancy, did you know that nutrition actually plays a pivotal role in every stage of trying to conceive?
More and more research shows us the impact nutrition can have in supporting conception as early as three months before your pregnancy! Here are three ways that nutrition plays a role in your fertility:
Hormone Balance and Menstrual Regularity: Nutrients are the building blocks for the hormones that regulate menstruation. If our bodies do not have the appropriate nutrients to support hormone regulation, it can result in menstrual irregularity and irregular ovulation. An inconsistent cycle can make it more challenging to track ovulation, and conceive.
Egg Quality: Research shows that egg quality can also be significantly affected by diet. Certain nutrients, including B vitamins, play a role in the genetic programming of follicles. Since a follicle takes three months to mature, diet can impact egg quality for up to three months leading up to conception.
Implantation: Nutrition can also impact implantation– nutrients including vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin B6 can help thicken the uterine lining which creates a healthy environment for implantation.
Aside from supporting overall fertility, nutrition also can have a significant impact on managing infertility. It can also help you manage different conditions that may impact fertility, including PCOS, endometriosis, IBS, or hypothyroidism.
As with any dietary change, there is no one-size-fits-all approach: always consult with your healthcare providers on your individual conditions or questions. If you have any questions about nutrition and fertility, our registered dietitian can provide you with guidance to support you during this major time of your life.