According to new research, a pregnancy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seafood, dairy products, eggs and whole grains can reduce the risk of miscarriage. The University of Birmingham examined 20 studies that looked at the eating habits of women and men who gave birth in the months before and after giving birth to see if there was evidence of an association with a lower or higher risk of miscarriage.
In findings published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, Tammy’s National Center for Miscarriage Research team concluded that there is evidence to suggest that eating fruits, vegetables, seafood, dairy products, eggs and whole grains can reduce the risk of miscarriage. While these are foods that generally make up ‘healthy’ well-balanced diets, previous evidence shows that it is important to eat a well-rounded diet rich in vitamins and minerals during pregnancy.
A research review found that, compared to low consumption, high fruit intake was associated with a 61% reduction in miscarriage risk. A high intake of vegetables can reduce the risk of miscarriage by 41%. It is reduced to 37% for dairy products, 33% for grains, 19% for seafood and eggs.
Dr. Led by Yelin Chung, the researchers also looked at whether pre-defined diet types, such as the Mediterranean diet or fertility diet, may also be linked to miscarriage risk. They found no evidence that following any of these diets reduced or increased risk.
However, an overall diet that includes more healthy foods, or foods rich in antioxidant sources, and less pro-inflammatory foods or unhealthy food groups may be associated with a reduced risk of miscarriage for women.
A diet high in processed foods was shown to be associated with a doubling of the risk of miscarriage. Studies included in the analysis focused on the first 3 months before and during pregnancy. Data collected from a total of 63,838 healthy women of reproductive age were included, with information on their diet typically collected through food frequency questionnaires for each study.
Dr. Chung explained, “Miscarriage is common, with an estimated 1 in 6 pregnancies ending in miscarriage, and there are many known causes, from problems with the baby’s chromosomes to infections in the womb.
“Yet nearly 50% of early pregnancy losses remain unexplained and, with no known cause, parents often turn to their healthcare providers for guidance on the best ways to stay as healthy as possible and reduce the risk of future miscarriages.
“There is a growing body of evidence showing that lifestyle changes – including dietary changes, stopping smoking and not drinking alcohol – before conception and during the early stages of your pregnancy – can have an effect.
“We encourage couples to consider the importance of making positive lifestyle choices when planning for a family, and to continue making these healthy choices throughout their pregnancy and beyond. Knowing that positive lifestyle choices can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of miscarriage. , couples can improve their health and the health of their baby.” They can feel empowered to take charge.”
Tommy’s Midwife Juliet Ward said, “Dietary advice is one of the most talked about topics for us when talking to pregnant women and those who have given birth. We know that very few baby losses are the result of someone’s lifestyle choices, but many people want to know how to do as much as possible during pregnancy. Staying healthy can be done. Following a healthy diet, taking supplements like vitamin D and folic acid, exercising and trying to reduce stress are all things people can do, but there is a lack of clear evidence on the links between dietary choices and miscarriage.
“Given this lack of evidence, there are no evidence-based guidelines for dietary advice for women and people who have given birth or their partners – the findings of this review could have a real impact on helping people reduce their risk.”
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