What foods to avoid when you want to get pregnant

Each person’s diet can look different, depending on their culinary preferences. It’s useful to know what foods to avoid when you want to get pregnant so you can protect your health and boost your fertility.

Find out with Barza what foods to eliminate from your daily shopping list when you want baby to come. If some of these are among your favourites, consume them in moderation to conceive smoothly!

Caffeine

Some studies have shown that several cups of coffee a day can negatively influence ovulation. Caffeine is a diuretic (promotes dehydration) and can thus prevent the membranes from moistening, affecting the consistency of cervical mucus.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises women who want to have a baby to limit their overall caffeine intake, paying attention not only to coffee consumption, but also to the consumption of energy drinks, teas or even chocolate.

Alcohol

Alcohol causes dehydration in the body, but it has also been associated with reduced fertility in both women and men. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has confirmed that alcohol can affect sperm health and can also have negative effects on the foetus.

Carbonated drinks and artificial sweeteners

You can indulge yourself, but bear in mind that high consumption of processed sweets has been linked to reduced fertility. Do not replace sugar with other artificial sweeteners, as they create a cortisol response, inhibiting ovulation.

If you have a sweet tooth, you can opt for healthy, lower-calorie sweeteners such as agave syrup, honey, maple syrup or stevia.

Processed soybeans

A study in the Journal of Nutrition has shown that ovarian function can be affected by diets high in processed soy. A large amount of soy protein isolate has estrogen-mimicking properties, which can disrupt hormonal balance.

Consumption is also not recommended in the case of a partner, as it can affect their testosterone levels. Products such as edamame, tempeh, miso paste or natto should be eaten in moderation. Soy in its natural form, as consumed in the cuisine of countries such as Japan and China, is actually healthy for the body.

Fish meat with a high level of mercury

Avoid the meat of fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and some tuna species. They have higher levels of mercury. Mercury contributes to decreased fertility, but can also affect the nervous system of the foetus.

Trans fats

Trans fats are a type of chemically modified fat. They are found in processed foods (bakery products, fast food). Eat as little of these foods as possible.

Products made from unpasteurised milk

If you consume dairy made from unpasteurised milk, you run the risk of contracting listeria – a bacteria that causes fatal illness in babies.

Unprepared meat

Do not eat raw or undercooked (rare) meat as there is a risk of toxoplasma infection. This parasite can cause miscarriage or lead to the death of the baby at birth.

Meat that is not cooked thermally also increases the risk of food poisoning by contracting Salmonella.

Vitamin A supplementation

Excess vitamin A (hypervitaminosis A) can negatively influence both your health and the health of the foetus. Adverse effects of increased consumption include:

• weight loss and anorexia;
• nausea;
• bleeding gums;
• vomiting;
• fainting spells;
• irritability;
• stomatitis;
• skin dryness;
• bone and joint pain;
• visual impairment;
• hypertension;
• alopecia.

Foods that trigger allergies

In your preparation for getting pregnant, it’s a good idea to watch out for foods known to trigger allergies frequently: milk, soy, eggs, wheat, tomatoes, strawberries, peanuts, nuts, sesame, fish and shellfish.

If you suspect you may have developed an allergy, the Allergy Quick Test can help. This type of immunological test detects, in a drop of blood, the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE). People with various allergic sensitivities have very high levels of IgE antibodies.

If an increased IgE level is found, the next step is to consult your doctor.

At the same time, if you suffer from intolerances, autoimmune diseases or bronchial asthma, it is necessary to follow the indications recommended by your doctor.

We’ve also prepared an article for you on what foods to eat when you want to get pregnant, to increase your chances of having your baby sooner.