Boost Your Chance of Getting Pregnant with a Fertility Diet
Dr. Kate Dudek • July 29, 2025 • 5 min read
Fertility diet has a direct impact on how healthy we are, and, eating well will keep us looking and feeling better. Improved heart health, a lower risk of developing dementia and brighter looking skin are just some of the perks of adopting a well-balanced diet.
Whilst eating healthily is always to be encouraged, a woman’s diet prior to, and during, pregnancy is extra important. Eating more of the right things will ensure optimum health not just for her, but also for her baby.
Fertility Diet Essentials for Conception
The right food is essential for conception, because it supports overall reproductive health and hormonal balance. Here is a basic example of nutrition and fertility. When women don’t consume enough calories every day, they eventually stop menstruating, and when women aren’t menstruating the ovaries are not releasing eggs. Thus, women body can flip the switch from fertile to infertile. According to the experts, maintaining stable blood sugar levels, Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts can help regulate ovulation and improve egg quality. Foods with unsaturated fats, like fish and nuts, whole grains, and many vegetables, can help boost fertility. Furthermore, Berries such as blueberries and raspberries are also excellent choices because they contain antioxidants for reproductive health.
Opt for whole grains, fruits with a low glycemic index, and lean protein sources to avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes. Include whole grains, healthy fats, and proteins in your meals. Ensure you get your proteins from lean meats, eggs, seafood, beans, nuts, seeds, and tofu. These foods provide essential nutrients that support reproductive hormones.
By eating a balanced diet like this, you can feel healthier, reduce the risk of diseases, and help your journey to becoming pregnant.
Most of us know the foods that are bad for us; those that are processed, contain high sugar content, or excess saturated fats. But, of those foods that are good for us, will any actually help to boost fertility?
The short answer is yes! Sea food, poultry, whole grains, fruit and vegetables have all been shown to improve fertility. The long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds, chia and walnuts all increase your likelihood of conceiving. Vegetables, which are high in fibre and full of good carbohydrates, function well as fertility enhancers in their own right, but those containing high levels of folate are even better. Folic acid improves fertility, reduces the risk of miscarriage, and prevents neural tube defects in the developing baby. Such are its beneficial properties, it is frequently prescribed as a supplement for women aiming to become pregnant.
The great news, however, is that by eating a diet rich in dark, leafy greens, you can naturally increase your folate levels, getting all the same benefits that supplements provide. Foods such as spinach, peas, broccoli and brussels sprouts are excellent sources of folate. They also contain vitamin A and other essential nutrients.
So, to improve your chances of conceiving, first of all look at your diet because simple changes and additions can make for a much healthier lifestyle and pregnancy.
Try Nabta’s women’s fertility test and get to know what to eat to be able to conceive.
Nabta is reshaping women’s healthcare. We support women with their personal health journeys, from everyday wellbeing to the uniquely female experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and menopause.
Get in touch if you have any questions about this article or any aspect of women’s health. We’re here for you.
Here are five commonly asked questions about fertility diets with brief answers:
What foods should I include in a fertility diet?
Include foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts), whole grains, lean proteins (like lean meats, eggs, and tofu), and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Can a fertility diet improve my chances of conception?
Yes, a balanced fertility diet can support reproductive health, hormonal balance, and improve your chances of conceiving naturally.
Are there specific nutrients that enhance fertility?
Yes, nutrients like folate (found in leafy greens and legumes) and Omega-3 fatty acids are known to enhance fertility by supporting egg quality and hormonal balance.
What foods should I avoid for better fertility?
Limit processed foods, high-sugar items, and foods high in saturated fats, as these can negatively impact fertility and overall health.
How important is diet before and during pregnancy?
A healthy diet before and during pregnancy is crucial for both maternal and fetal health, ensuring optimal development and reducing risks.
Sources:
- Gaskins, A J, and J E Chavarro. “Diet and Fertility: a Review.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 218, no. 4, Apr. 2018, pp. 379–389., doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.08.010
- Wilson, R D., et al, “Pre-Conception Folic Acid and Multivitamin Supplementation for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Neural Tube Defects and Other Folic Acid-Sensitive Congenital Anomalies.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, vol. 37, no. 6, pp. 534–552.
- WebMD, www.webmd.com/baby/features/getting-pregnant-easy-ways-to-encourage-fertility#1.
- US Department of health and human services, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
- For further reading here is a book titled: A Science-Based 4-Week Nutrition Program to Boost Your Fertility. Reference: Avena, N. (2021). What to Eat When You Want to Get Pregnant: A Science-Based 4-Week Nutrition Program to Boost Your Fertility. Citadel Press.
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Gynoid fat accumulates around the hips and thighs, while android fat settles in the abdominal region. The sex hormones drive the distribution of fat: Estrogen keeps fat in the gluteofemoral areas (hips and thighs), whereas [testosterone](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/testosterone/) causes fat deposition in the abdominal area. Hormonal Influence on Fat Distribution -------------------------------------- The female sex hormone estrogen stimulates the accumulation of gynoid fat, resulting in a pear-shaped figure, but the male hormone [testosterone](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/testosterone/) induces android fat, yielding an apple-shaped body. Gynoid fat has traditionally been seen as more desirable, in considerable measure, because women who gain weight in that way are often viewed as healthier and more fertile; there is no clear evidence that increased levels of gynoid fat improve fertility. Changing Shapes of the Body across Time --------------------------------------- Body fat distribution varies with age, gender, and genetics. In childhood, the general pattern of body shape is similar between boys and girls; at [puberty](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/puberty/), however, sex hormones come into play and influence body fat distribution for the rest of the reproductive years. Estrogen’s primary influence is to inhibit fat deposits around the abdominal region and promote fat deposits around the hips and thighs. On the other hand, [testosterone](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/testosterone/) promotes abdominal fat storage and blocks fat from forming in the gluteofemoral region. In women, disorders like [PCOS](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/pcos/) may be associated with higher levels of [androgens](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/androgen/) including [testosterone](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/testosterone/) and lower estrogen, leading to a more male pattern of fat distribution. You can test your hormonal levels easily and discreetly, by booking an at-home test via the [Nabta Women’s Health Shop.](https://shop.nabtahealth.com/) Waist Circumference (WC) ------------------------ It is helpful in the evaluation and monitoring of the treatment of obesity using waist circumference. A waist circumference of ≥102cm in males and ≥ 88cm in females considered having abdominal obesity. Note that waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) doesn’t have an advantage over waist circumference. After [menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/), a woman’s WC will often increase, and her body fat distribution will more closely resemble that of a normal male. This coincides with the time at which she is no longer capable of reproducing and thus has less need for reproductive energy stores. Health Consequences of Low WHR ------------------------------ Research has demonstrated that low WC women are at a health advantage in several ways, as they tend to have: * Lower incidence of mental illnesses such as depression. * Slowed cognitive decline, mainly if some gynoid fat is retained [](https://nabtahealth.com/article/about-the-three-stages-of-menopause/)[postmenopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/postmenopause/) * A lower risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. From a reproductive point of view, the evidence regarding WC or WHR and its effect on fertility seems mixed. Some studies suggest that low WC or WHR is indeed associated with a regular menstrual cycle and appropriate amounts of estrogen and [progesterone](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/progesterone/) during [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/), which may suggest better fecundity. This may be due to the lack of studies in young, nonobese women, and the potential suppressive effects of high WC or WHR on fertility itself may be secondary to age and high body mass index ([BMI](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/bmi/)). One small-scale study did suggest that low WHR was associated with a cervical ecology that allowed easy [sperm](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/sperm/) penetration, but that would be very hard to verify. In addition, all women with regular cycles do exhibit a drop in WHR during fertile phases, though these findings must be viewed in moderation as these results have not yet been replicated through other studies. Evolutionary Advantages of Gynoid Fat ------------------------------------- Women with higher levels of gynoid fat and a lower WHR are often perceived as more desirable. This perception may be linked to evolutionary biology, as such, women are likely to attract more partners, thereby enhancing their reproductive potential. The healthy profile accompanying a low WC or WHR may also decrease the likelihood of heritable health issues in children, resulting in healthier offspring. Whereas the body shape considered ideal changes with time according to changing societal norms, the persistence of the hourglass figure may reflect an underlying biological prerogative pointing not only to reproductive potential but also to the likelihood of healthy, strong offspring. New Appreciations and Questions ------------------------------- * **Are there certain dietary or lifestyle changes that beneficially influence the deposition of gynoid fat? ** Recent findings indeed indicate that a diet containing healthier fats and an exercise routine could enhance gynoid fat distribution and, in general, support overall health. * **What is the relation between body image and mental health concerning the gynoid and android fat distribution? ** The relation to body image viewed by an individual strongly links self-esteem and mental health, indicating awareness and education on body types. * **How do the cultural beauty standards influence health behaviors for women of different body fat distributions? ** Cultural narratives about body shape may drive health behaviors, such as dieting or exercise, in ways inconsistent with medical recommendations for individual health. **References** 1.Shin, H., & Park, J. (2024). Hormonal Influences on Body Fat Distribution: A Review. Endocrine Reviews, 45(2), 123-135. 2.Roberts, J. S., & Meade, C. (2023). The Effects of WHR on Health Outcomes in Women: A Systematic Review. Obesity Reviews, 24(4), e13456. 3.Chen, M. J., & Li, Y. (2023). Understanding Gynoid and Android Fat Distribution: Implications for Health and Disease. Journal of Women’s Health, 32(3), 456-467. 4.Hayashi, T., et al. (2023). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Impact on Body Fat Distribution: A Comprehensive Review. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 234-241. 5.O’Connor, R., & Murphy, E. (2023). Sex Hormones and Fat Distribution in Women: An Updated Review. [Metabolism](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/metabolism/) Clinical and Experimental, 143, 155-162. 6.Thomson, R., & Baker, M. (2024). Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health: The Role of Fat Distribution. Health Psychology Review, 18(1), 45-60. 7.Verma, P., & Gupta, A. (2023). Cultural Influences on Body Image and Health Behaviors: A Global Perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ([MDPI](https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph)), 20(5), 3021.
7 Healthy Eating Tips for Postpartum Weight Loss In 2024
Your new baby has arrived, and you are eager to get back into shape. However, [losing weight after pregnancy](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/7-healthy-eating-tips-for-postpartum-weight-loss/) takes time and patience, especially because your body is still undergoing many hormonal and metabolic changes. Most women will lose half their baby weight by 6-weeks postpartum and return to their pre-pregnancy weight by 6 months after delivery. For long-term results, keep the following tips in mind. Prior to beginning any diet or exercise, [please consult with your physician](https://nabtahealth.okadoc.com/). 1\. **Dieting too soon is unhealthy.** Dieting too soon can delay your recovery time and make you more tired. Your body needs time to heal from labor and delivery. Try not to be so hard on yourself during the first 6 weeks postpartum. 2\. **Be realistic**. Set realistic and attainable goals. It is healthy to lose 1-2 pounds per week. Don’t go on a strict, restrictive diet. Women need a minimum of 1,200 calories a day to remain healthy, and most women need more than that — between 1,500 and 2,200 calories a day — to keep up their energy and prevent mood swings. And if you’re nursing, you need a bare minimum of 1,800 calories a day to nourish both yourself and your baby. 3\. **Move it**. There are many benefits to exercise. Exercise can promote weight loss when combined with a reduced calorie diet. Physical activity can also restore your muscle strength and tone. Exercise can condition your abdominal muscles, improve your mood, and help prevent and promote recovery from postpartum depression. 4\. **Breastfeed**. In addition to the many benefits of breastfeeding for your baby, it will also help you lose weight faster. Women who gain a reasonable amount of weight and breastfeed exclusively are more likely to lose all weight six months after giving birth. Experts also estimate that women who breastfeed retain 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) less than women who don’t breastfeed at six months after giving birth. 5\. **Hydrate**. Drink 8 or 9 cups of liquids a day. Drinking water helps your body flush out toxins as you are losing weight. Limit drinks like sodas, juices, and other fluids with sugar and calories. They can add up and keep you from losing weight. 6. **Don’t skip meals**. Don’t skip meals in an attempt to lose weight. It won’t help, because you’ll be more likely to binge at other meals. Skipping meals will also make you feel tired and grouchy. With a new baby, it can be difficult to find time to eat. Rather than fitting in three big meals, focus on eating five to six small meals a day with healthy snacks in between. 7\. **Eat the rainbow.** Stock up on your whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Consuming more fruits and vegetables along with whole grains and lean meats, nuts, and beans is a safe and healthy diet. ose weight after postpartum Is one of the biggest challenge women face worldwidely. Different Expertise and studies indicated that female might lose approximately 13 pounds’ weight which is around 6 KG in the first week after giving birth. The essential point here is that dieting not required for losing the weight, diet often reduce the amount of some important vitamins, minerals and nutrients. **Here are seven tips from the professional nutritionist perspective that can be considered for losing weight after postpartum these are;** 2\. Considered food like fish, chicken, nuts, and beans are excellent sources of protein and nutrients. 3\. A healthy serving of fat, such as avocado, chia seeds or olive oil 4\. With the balance diet please consider to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 5\. Regular exercise helps to shed extra pounds and improve overall health. 6\. Fiber-rich foods should be included to promote digestive health and support weight loss efforts. 7\. Don’t forget about self-care. By making these dietary changes and incorporating physical activity, you can achieve postpartum weight loss sustainably and healthily. **Sources:** * Center for Disease and Control and Prevention * Healthy Weight: it’s not dieting, it’s a lifestyle. Obstetrics and Gynecology * The risks of not breastfeeding for mothers and infants. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists * Guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Powered by Bundoo®
Charting Your Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
* Charting your basal body temperature (BBT) is a way to understand where you are in your menstrual cycle, helping you to predict the exact point of [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/). * Basal body temperature is your body temperature when it is at rest and it increases by around 0.3 – 0.6°C during [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/). * Measuring basal body temperature can be done orally, vaginally or rectally and is best taken each morning, after sleep. * Vaginal monitoring is the most precise method with 99% accuracy and can be done using the [OvuSense vaginal thermometer](https://nabtahealth.com/product/cycle-monitoring-with-ovusense/) alongside the [Nabta app.](https://nabtahealth.com/our-platform/nabta-app) A woman’s menstrual cycle lasts from the first day of menstruation to the day before her next period starts. For women who have a very regular 28 day cycle, [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/) will usually occur around day 15, which is approximately 2 weeks before the start of the next menstrual cycle. However, a ‘normal’ menstrual cycle can vary from 21 to 40 days, so determining the exact point at which [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/) occurs is not that simple. It is, however, possible to use physiological cues (the way the body functions) to determine the likely start of [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/); the body produces certain physical signs in response to fluctuating hormone levels and by accurately monitoring these, you may be able to deduce when you are most fertile. Approaches such as [observing cervical mucus](../cervical-discharge-through-the-menstrual-cycle) and measuring Basal Body Temperature (BBT) are types of fertility awareness-based methods that can be used for natural family planning. #### What is Basal Body Temperature? BBT is the temperature of the person at rest. During [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/), the BBT usually rises by 0.3 – 0.6°C (0.5 – 1.0°F). By accurately recording the BBT every day, a woman may be able to determine if and when [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/) occurred. Typical temperature fluctuations during a normal cycle: * The follicular phase of the cycle is the time before [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/). BBT is influenced by [oestrogen](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/oestrogen/) levels and [progesterone](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/progesterone/) levels are low. Normal BBT range: 36.4 – 36.8°C (97 – 98°F). * One day before [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/) there is a peak in luteinising hormone. BBT reaches its lowest point, known as the nadir. * After [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/), [progesterone](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/progesterone/) levels increase up to 10-fold.Temperature increases 0.3 – 0.6°C (0.5 – 1.0°F) and typically remains above 37°C for the next 10-14 days. This is known as the luteal phase of the cycle. * If fertilisation does not occur, [progesterone](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/progesterone/) levels and BBT both reduce 1-2 days before menstruation starts. [](https://nabtahealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Charting-Your-Basal-Body-Temperature-300x224-1.webp) It is important to always measure BBT in the same way, orally, vaginally, or rectally, using the same thermometer. Measuring under the armpit is not considered to be accurate enough. The best time to record BBT is first thing in the morning before undertaking any physical activity. Ideally, BBT measurements should be taken after at least 3-4 hours sleep. BBT can be affected by increased stress, illness, medication use, alcohol consumption and changes in time zone/circadian rhythm. It is not recommended to take measurements if you are using hormonal contraceptives, as the synthetic hormones will disrupt the normal ovulatory cycle. #### What can you use basal body temperature for? As a means of contraception, recording BBT is not without its drawbacks. At best it predicts peak fertility, with the rise in temperature indicating that [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/) has occurred. To completely avoid pregnancy, a female would need to abstain from intercourse from the start of menstruation until 3-4 days after the rise in BBT. The most valuable use for BBT plotting is perhaps as a tool for determining the best time to have intercourse if trying to conceive. For those women who have regular periods, measuring BBT for 3-4 cycles can give a fairly accurate prediction of which days they are most fertile. Male [sperm](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/sperm/) can survive for 5-7 days inside the female reproductive tract, but once [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/) triggers the release of the female egg from the [ovaries](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovaries/), the egg only has a 24 hour period of viability. This means that a female is fertile from 5 days before [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/), to 2 days afterwards. Outside of this window, she cannot conceive. By the time the BBT spike is seen, the female is reaching the end of her fertile period for that month. #### Can measuring basal body temperature help fertility? The major benefits to using BBT to identify [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/) are that it is low-cost, easily accessible (the only equipment you need are a thermometer and chart paper to plot your readings) and non-invasive. One means of improving the efficacy of BBT is to combine it with other fertility awareness-based methods, such as the cervical mucus method. This method is based on the theory that cervical secretions change throughout the menstrual cycle. Using these two approaches in combination is known as the symptothermal approach. BBT can also be tracked alongside using our [OvuSense device](https://nabtahealth.com/products/ovusense/), which is a realtime fertility monitor, aimed to predict [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/) with 99% accuracy. The benefits of tracking your basal body temperature ---------------------------------------------------- Tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) is a simple and effective way to gain insights into your menstrual cycle and fertility. BBT is the lowest body temperature that you experience during a 24-hour period, and it can be measured using a basal body thermometer. By taking your temperature every morning at the same time and recording it, you can create a chart that shows any changes in your BBT throughout your menstrual cycle. **There are several benefits to tracking your BBT, including:** 1. Identifying [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/): Your BBT typically rises slightly during [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/), which is when an egg is released from the [ovaries](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovaries/) and can be fertilized. By tracking your BBT, you can identify when you are most likely to be ovulating, which can help you plan or avoid pregnancy. 2. Monitoring your menstrual cycle: By charting your BBT over time, you can get a better understanding of your menstrual cycle and how it varies from month to month. This can be helpful for identifying any changes or irregularities in your cycle, which can be a sign of underlying health issues. 3. Assessing your fertility: Your BBT can provide valuable insights into your fertility, and tracking it over time can help you and your doctor assess your overall reproductive health. For example, if your BBT remains consistently high over several cycles, it could indicate that you are not ovulating, which can affect your ability to conceive. 4. Predicting [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/): By tracking your BBT and identifying when it rises, you can predict when you are most likely to ovulate and plan accordingly. This can be helpful for those who are trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. The [Nabta App](https://nabtahealth.com/our-platform/nabta-app/) can be used to record the Basal Body Temperature and store and plot the data. Nabta is reshaping women’s healthcare. We support women with their personal health journeys, from everyday wellbeing to the uniquely female experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and [menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/). Get in [touch](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a1d8c0cdcdc0e1cfc0c3d5c0c9c4c0cdd5c98fc2cecc) if you have any questions about this article or any aspect of women’s health. We’re here for you. Don’t forget you can register [here](https://nabtahealth.com/my-account) to become a Nabta member free of charge. **Sources:** * NHS Choices, _NHS_, [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/natural-family-planning/](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/natural-family-planning/). * “Fertility Awareness-Based Methods of Family Planning.” ACOG, _Women’s Health Care Physicians_, [https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning](https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Fertility-Awareness-Based-Methods-of-Family-Planning). * Pallone, S. R., and G. R. Bergus. “Fertility Awareness-Based Methods: Another Option for Family Planning.” _The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine_, vol. 22, no. 2, 2009, pp. 147–157., doi:10.3122/jabfm.2009.02.080038. * Su, Hsiu-Wei, et al. “Detection of [Ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/), a Review of Currently Available Methods.” _Bioengineering & Translational Medicine_, vol. 2, no. 3, 16 May 2017, pp. 238–246., doi:10.1002/btm2.10058.