Personalised Dietary Adjustments

The right foods matter when trying to conceive or sustain a healthy pregnancy. We need to ensure you’re getting enough essential nutrients, like folates, healthy fats, plant-based proteins and whole grains.

And let’s be honest — you won’t eat spinach three nights a week if you hate spinach. So, the best meals and snacks for you are those you like and will eat. I’ll advise you on suitable options for your fertility needs that work with your time, budget and preferences.

How can nutrition help with fertility?

Sperm and Egg Health:
Healthy eggs and sperm are the foundations for a healthy baby. Optimal Nutrition can assist in improving the health of both.

Ovulation:
Specific dietary changes have been shown to improve ovulatory dysfunction.

Implantation Failure and Recurrent Miscarriages:
Vital nutrients prioritised in the diet have been shown to improve implantation rates.

Reproductive Conditions:
Untreated coeliac disease, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and thyroid conditions can all contribute to infertility. Nutrition Therapy, together with necessary medical treatment, can help to manage these conditions.

Fertility Treatments
Certain foods and nutrients have been shown to play a highly beneficial role in optimising the outcomes of IVF and its associated fertility treatments.

What about my dietary restrictions or preferences?

Personalised fertility nutrition therapy can be tailored to accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences. Whether you follow a specific eating pattern (vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free) or have allergies or intolerances, I’ll consider these factors when making recommendations.

What other factors can affect fertility?

Weight and Body Fat

Weight is a sensitive topic, especially when consulting with a dietitian. Let me put you at ease. Restrictive and intense diets aren’t ideal for preconception health.

It’s essential to remember that a healthy weight for fertility has different criteria than the general guidelines. Being a few kgs above ‘normal’ is more likely to be beneficial than not. My focus is on optimal weight, which includes healthy body fat percentage to muscle ratio — athletes struggle with fertility too! We need appropriate amounts of fat and muscle for a healthy pregnancy.

Why does weight matter for fertility?

Weight does play a crucial role in fertility because it can affect female hormone levels at the core of reproductive functions. Both being underweight and overweight can have negative effects on fertility. I approach the topic of weight with sensitivity, compassion and evidence-based guidelines.

Weight can also impact sperm quality. Being overweight can cause lower sperm counts and DNA damage to sperm. Being underweight can also negatively affect sperm production.

A well-balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods for both men and women can optimise your chances of conception.

Shifting from calories to nutrients

I want to shift the focus from calories to nutrient quality. Some foods deemed ‘fattening’, like nuts, chickpeas, potatoes, or egg yolks, are actually essential for fertility. Moreover, when trying to fall pregnant, the body often needs more nutrients than usual. I can guide you on the correct nutrients, amounts and appropriate food sources to incorporate into your diet for optimal fertility.