Want To Get Pregnant Fast? Follow This Eating Plan!
In this article, we take a look at the Mediterranean diet, generally recommended for better fertility in both partners while trying to fall pregnant, as well as alternative diets, such as the low glycaemic or Banting diet, that may be recommended when other health issues also play a role.
The food you choose has a direct impact on your fertility: what you eat impacts your overall health, and there is a strong link between good overall health and fertility.
This is because falling pregnant requires three things: healthy eggs, healthy sperm and a healthy internal environment conducive to egg fertilisation in the fallopian tubes and embryo implantation in the uterus.
All of these factors begin with what you eat! Good nutrition helps create healthy eggs and sperm, and a healthy environment in which an embryo can become a pregnancy, while poor nutrition or excess weight can interfere with hormonal balance and reproductive function.
Both Partners’ Health Matters
To improve their chances of conceiving, both partners need to put in the effort to improve their health. This means being on the right diet, even if that means going on to medical dietary therapy to normalise your weight.
A Healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
A balanced Body Mass Index or BMI is essential for fertility in both men and women, as being overweight underweight or overweight can disrupt reproductive hormones.
You can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared — for example, a BMI of 25 means 25kg/m². If your BMI is outside the normal range, aim to normalise it through healthy, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle.
The Best Fertility-Boosting Diet
When it comes to enhancing fertility through food, experts consistently recommend the Mediterranean diet. This style of eating is rich in whole, natural foods and healthy fats that support hormone balance, improve egg and sperm quality, and promote a healthy weight.
This diet includes:
- Plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Whole grains and legumes
- Healthy fats such as olive oil
- Lean protein from fish, poultry, and eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Herbs and spices for flavour
It is also wise to avoid red meat, refined flour products, sweets, and highly processed foods.
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we have seen first-hand how following the Mediterranean diet improves pregnancy rates.
The Mediterranean Diet’s Anti-Inflammatory Power
There is also growing evidence that inflammation plays a role in unexplained infertility.
Research is also increasingly showing that anti-inflammatory diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, can significantly improve fertility outcomes, because of its focus on plant-based foods, olive oil, and omega-3-rich fish, which not only benefits health in general but also promotes reproductive wellness.
In fact, research by Dr Robert H. Shmerling from Harvard Health Publishing has shown that following such a diet may
- improve sperm quality in men,
- support regular ovulation in women, and
- increase pregnancy rates among couples undergoing IVF.
Don’t Forget Your Nutrients
Supplements can also help prepare your body for pregnancy. Certain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants support egg and sperm health and improve the chances of conception.
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we recommend StaminoGro, which provides active folic acid, antioxidants, natural growth hormone boosters, and essential micronutrients.
Alternative Eating Plans To Consider
For those with other health conditions, alternative diets may be more suitable.
For example, patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or insulin resistance often do better on a low glycaemic or Banting-style diet.
The key is to choose an eating plan that supports your health without causing unnecessary stress.
Where To Turn For Expert Fertility Advice And Treatment
Adopting a diet and lifestyle that improves overall health will certainly improve your chances of falling pregnant, and the Mediterranean diet is specifically known to be effective for couples trying to conceive.
However, diet is not the only lifestyle factor to consider when it comes to fertility. In addition to the health, diet and lifestyle factors that can affect fertility, there is also a long list of possible medical causes of infertility among both men and women.
If you are concerned that you are not getting pregnant as quickly as you thought you would, don’t delay!
Immediately contact a reproductive medicine specialist, such as one of our fertility experts at Medfem Fertility Clinic, who will be able to identify the cause of your fertility problem and provide expert information regarding available treatment options.
At Medfem we believe in helping you reach your family dream through:
- World-Class Fertility for Everyone – we believe in making world-class fertility treatments available for everyone
- A Positive Fertility Journey – It is our joy and commitment to give you a positive outcome to your fertility journey
- Delivered With Empathy & Caring – So you may have a fond memory, of a feeling of empathy, caring and being part of the Medfem family
If you would like to meet one of our fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic, simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.
Our Fertility Specialists can also meet with you during a virtual consultation via Zoom or Skype. Click here to book a virtual consultation now.
We look forward to meeting you at Medfem Fertility Clinic!
