A woman does not have to wait until she is pregnant to improve her eating habits. It is better to switch to a healthy diet even when you are not yet pregnant – this ensures that the baby is off to a strong start. Here are some foods and drinks that a woman must avoid when trying to get pregnant:
Liver
When you are trying to get pregnant, you should avoid eating foods or taking supplements that contain vitamin A. Liver is rich in vitamin A.
Fish Rich in Mercury
There are certain types of fish that contain high levels of mercury. This can be detrimental to your unborn baby’s developing nervous system. This type of fish might lead to build-up of chemicals in your body as time passes and that is what makes it harmful. Avoid eating shark, marling and swordfish. Limit your tuna and sardines intake. Other fish that should be limited are: mackerel, salmon, fresh tuna, trout, sea bass, sea bream, halibut, tuna steak and rock salmon.
Soybeans and Soy Foods
Studies found that large quantities of soy protein can inhibit fertility. You have to limit your intake of edamame and similar foods, especially if you are expecting infertility problems. You should also stay away from soy milk and tofu, too.
Alcohol
It is important to cut this off from your diet months before you even start trying to get pregnant. There are several birth defects associated with exposure to alcohol and this can happen in the early weeks – before a woman knows that she is pregnant. A study found that there is a link between a woman’s alcohol intake and decreased fertility.
Raw or Undercooked Eggs, Meat or Fish
Eating raw or undercooked foods puts you at risk for listeria, salmonella, and other food-borne bacteria. These bacteria can definitely be harmful to a developing fetus.
Unpasteurized Cheese
Similar to raw or undercooked foods, unpasteurized cheese might also carry listeria bacteria that cause listeriosis. There is a link between this condition and miscarriage, so it is best to avoid these foods when trying to get pregnant.
Caffeine
Different studies show different effects of caffeine and its link to the ability of a woman to get pregnant. However, it is still better to be safe than sorry. It is best to at least cut down your consumption of coffee to at least one to two cups per day.
