Foods to Avoid When Trying to Conceive

Nutrition and fertility articles are full of suggestions for foods that may help you to stay healthy and fertile when trying to conceive. But it’s important to know which foods to avoid, too. Watch out for these x foods.

High-mercury fish

Fish can be a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, but certain kinds are high in mercury, which can build up in your body and be harmful to your baby. Avoid swordfish, shark, and mackerel.

Alcohol

No one’s saying you can’t enjoy a glass of wine or a beer while trying to conceive (and it may help you relax from the stress), but avoid drinking to excess. Binge drinking can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances.

Coffee

Apply the same rule of moderation to caffeine: one or two cups of coffee or tea ( around 200 milligrams of caffeine) a day is perfectly fine, but more than that can impair your fertility. eavy caffeine consumption has been associated with fertility problems.

Certain dairy products

Certain dairy products may contain a kind of bacteria called listeria, which is linked with a higher risk of miscarriage. To prevent this risk, avoid soft cheeses like goat’s cheese and brie, blue-veined cheeses like Stilton, and pate. Listeria can also be present in deli and smoked meats, so it’s a good rule to avoid those as well.

Soy

High consumption of soy has been linked to lower fertility. You don’t have to cut out the occasional serving of edamame or soy milk in your coffee, but keep soy levels down. This may be tricky for vegetarians who love tofu and other soy products. Try looking for other veggie sources of protein, like beans.

Raw meat, fish, unpasteurized cheeses and eggs

Put down the raw cookie dough! Raw meat and eggs exposes you to a risk of salmonella, listeria, or other food-borne bacteria, which in turn increases your risk of miscarriage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can drinking alcohol affect my chances of getting pregnant?

Yes, excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your fertility. The NHS advises that if you're trying to conceive, it's safest to avoid alcohol altogether, as binge drinking can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances. If you do choose to drink, keeping within the recommended limit of 14 units per week is advisable.

How much coffee can I drink when trying to conceive UK?

The NHS recommends limiting caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day when trying to conceive, which is roughly equivalent to one or two cups of coffee. Heavy caffeine consumption has been associated with fertility problems and may also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.

What fish should I avoid when TTC?

You should avoid high-mercury fish such as swordfish, shark, and marlin when trying to conceive, as mercury can accumulate in your body and potentially harm your baby. The NHS advises that whilst fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, opting for lower-mercury alternatives like salmon, sardines, or mackerel in moderation is safer during your fertility journey.

Is it safe to eat soft cheese when trying for a baby?

It's best to avoid certain soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and

blue-veined varieties such as Stilton when trying to conceive, as they may contain listeria bacteria. According to NHS guidelines, listeria infection can increase the risk of miscarriage, so sticking to hard cheeses or thoroughly cooked soft cheeses is the safer option.

Does soy affect female fertility NHS?

Research suggests that high consumption of soy products may be linked to lower fertility, though occasional servings are generally considered fine. If you're vegetarian and rely on tofu or other soy-based proteins, try incorporating alternative protein sources like beans, lentils, and pulses to maintain a balanced diet whilst trying to conceive.

What foods cause listeria when pregnant UK?

Foods that may contain listeria include unpasteurised soft cheeses, pâté, deli meats, smoked fish, and pre-prepared salads. The NHS recommends avoiding these foods when trying to conceive and during pregnancy, as listeria infection can lead to serious complications including miscarriage. Always ensure meats are thoroughly cooked and check that dairy products are pasteurised.

Can I eat raw eggs when trying to get pregnant?

It's advisable to avoid raw or undercooked eggs when trying to conceive due to the risk of salmonella infection. This includes homemade mayonnaise, mousse, and raw cake batter. However, eggs with the British Lion stamp are considered safe to eat runny, as they come from hens vaccinated against salmonella.