Five food and drinks to avoid if you’re trying for a baby

Women are advised to refrain from consuming a variety of food items during pregnancy. This includes shellfish, unpasteurized milk products, and soft cheeses, as they may potentially harbor bacteria that pose a risk to both the mother and her unborn child. However, it is important to note that dietitians also caution against certain foods when attempting to conceive.

Ro Huntriss, a consultant dietitian based in London, has provided recommendations on the types of foods that should be avoided or reduced when attempting to conceive. Pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming liver and liver products, such as pâté, as they are particularly high in vitamin A.

Additionally, the NHS recommends that pregnant women limit their intake of caffeine, as high levels of caffeine have been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. It is advised to limit caffeine intake to no more than 200mg per day, which is roughly equivalent to two cups of instant coffee.

Furthermore, it is important for pregnant women to maintain a balanced and varied diet, ensuring they consume a wide range of nutrients necessary for the healthy development of their baby. This includes consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products.

In conclusion, it is crucial for pregnant women to be mindful of their dietary choices and avoid certain foods that can pose risks to the health of their unborn baby. Consulting with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian can provide further guidance on maintaining a healthy and safe diet during pregnancy.

According to experts, it is advisable to avoid foods such as eggs, beef liver, and fish oil when attempting to conceive. This caution is due to their high vitamin A content, which should be consumed in moderation by women trying to conceive, as stated by Ms. Huntriss. She further explains that excessive intake of vitamin A can be detrimental to the development of an unborn baby.

Vitamin A is produced in the body through the breakdown of beta-carotene, a pigment found in red, yellow, and leafy green vegetables.

The committee on toxicology at the Food Standards Agency warns that an excessive amount of vitamin A can lead to various fetal malformations, including spina bifida (abnormal spinal development), underdeveloped or absent eyes, cleft lip, cleft palate, malformed or absent ears, as well as deformities in the limbs, kidneys, genitals, heart, thyroid gland, and skeleton.

The consumption of trans fats, commonly found in margarines, cakes, biscuits, and fast food, is not recommended for individuals attempting to conceive. According to Ms. Huntriss, the ingestion of trans fats has been linked to heightened infertility rates and can impact gestational duration, potentially leading to developmental abnormalities and miscarriage. It is worth noting, however, that this issue has been mitigated to some extent in recent years. Manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce trans fat levels in food products due to their well-documented negative health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease and blood clots.