Find out how to diet to improve your chances of conception.

• Can I diet whilst trying to conceive?
• When should I stop dieting?
• Is there anything I can eat to help me conceive?

Dieting whilst trying to conceive can actually improve your chances of conceiving a healthy baby. If done safely and combined with exercise, losing weight can help you reach your ideal healthy weight and this will help in conception.

Fad diets will be harmful to your body as they advise you to cut out on certain food groups leading to a lack in energy, vitamins and minerals. However, a healthy fertility diet consisting of good carbohydrates such as brown pasta, lean proteins such as chicken and fish, fruit and veg and low-fat dairy products can help you reduce your BMI to reach your ideal healthy weight.

If you are overweight when pregnant, you are putting yourself at increased risk of pre-eclampsia, diabetes and a difficult delivery. Similarly, if you are underweight when pregnant, your baby is more likely to have a low birth weight.

Slow and gradual weight loss is vital. One to two pounds per week is considered healthy weight loss. If you drop weight too quickly, your body will begin eating into your body’s nutritional stores.

If you have a BMI of over 30, it is advisable to lose 5-10% of your body weight. This will improve your general health and reduce your risks of problems during pregnancy and labour.

If overweight, your menstrual cycle is more likely to be irregular and this can affect your chances of conception. If you are at, or close to, your ideal weight, your menstrual cycle will become regular and ovulation more frequent.

You should stop dieting when you reach your optimum weight OR you become pregnant. Dieting whilst pregnant is not advisable and you are going to gain weight as your baby develops.

Your preconception diet is important to prepare your body for sustaining your child. It should include plenty of fruit and veg, good fats such as mackerel, and wholegrain carbohydrates. Cutting out caffeine and sugars will also help conception.

Taking folic acid is advisable when trying to get pregnant, a good source is in broccoli. This is advised by health experts to reduce your baby’s chances of having birth defects.

Remember, it’s not just your diet that is important when trying to get pregnant. Look at your partners diet too. Anti-oxidant rich foods such as mangos and almonds can boost his fertility.

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Photography: Raj Kumar 1220 @ Flickr