We all know what NOT to eat when we’re pregnant. Cheese, deli meats and sushi are no-nos. And soy, which contains very weak estrogens that could mess with your body’s hormones, might actually impair fertility.
But can your diet possibly have a positive effect on your fertility? The answer is yes. Both folic acid and vitamin B12 seem to increase ovulation rates in women with no history of infertility and are essential for building DNA. Anything that requires cell division needs folic acid and B12, and the key is to make sure you’re getting enough while trying to conceive.
You can increase your folic acid intake with lentils and leafy greens (kale, anyone?), and get your B12 boost with shellfish, seafood and dairy products—or you can also take a supplement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily, starting at least a month before trying to pregnant.
There’s also good news for women who loves bread and carbs. Some studies have shown that women undergoing IVF who eat whole grains have a higher probability of successful pregnancies and births, and also tend to have fewer problems with infertility in general. The reason for this is that lignin—a substance present in whole grains—appears to increase the thickness of the endometrium lining.
For more information on fertility, you can visit or schedule an appointment with HRC Fertility at 333 South Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, (626) 440-9161. You can also visit their website hrcpasadena.com.
