A preconception and early pregnancy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs and whole grains may be associated with a reduced risk of miscarriage, a new review of research suggests.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham, funded by Tommy’s, analyzed 20 studies that explored the eating habits of women and men who gave birth before and shortly after conceiving a child to see if these studies showed evidence of a link with a lower or higher chance of miscarriage.
Journal writing Fertility and infertility Tommy’s National Center for Miscarriage Research team concluded that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seafood, dairy products, eggs and whole grains reduces the risk of miscarriage.
While these are foods that generally make up a ‘healthy’ balanced diet, previous evidence shows that eating a well-rounded diet rich in vitamins and minerals is important during pregnancy.
A research review found that, compared with less consumption, higher consumption of fruit may reduce the risk of miscarriage by 61%. High vegetable intake may be associated with a 41% reduction in miscarriage risk. This is a 37% reduction for dairy products, 33% for grains, 19% for seafood and eggs.
Led by Dr. Yelin Chung, the researchers also looked at whether prespecified dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet or the fertility diet, might also be associated with miscarriage risk. They found no evidence that following any of these diets reduced or increased risk.
However, an overall healthy diet, or a whole diet containing foods rich in antioxidant sources and less inflammatory foods or unhealthy food groups, may be associated with a reduced risk of miscarriage for women.
A high intake of processed foods has been shown to double the risk of miscarriage.
Studies included in the analysis focused on the peri-pregnancy period — before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Data collected from a total of 63,838 healthy women of reproductive age were included, with dietary information typically collected through food frequency questionnaires for each study.
Dr. Chung explains:
“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 about 50% of early pregnancy losses remain unexplained and, in the absence of a cause, parents often turn to their health care 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 to show that lifestyle changes before conception and in the early stages of your pregnancy – including dietary changes, stopping smoking and not drinking alcohol – can have an impact.
“We strongly encourage couples to consider the importance of making positive lifestyle choices when planning 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 They can feel empowered to take responsibility for their child’s health.”
Tommy’s midwife Juliet Ward said:
“Dietary advice is one of the most discussed topics for us when talking to pregnant women and those giving birth. We know that baby loss is rarely the result of someone’s lifestyle choices, but many want to know how to stay healthy. Pregnancy is possible. Following a healthy diet, Taking supplements like vitamin D and folic acid, exercising, and trying to reduce stress are all things people can try, but clear evidence of a link between food choices and miscarriage is lacking.
“Because of this lack of evidence, there are no evidence-based guidelines outlining dietary advice for women and childbearing individuals or their partners — the findings of this review may have real implications for helping people reduce their risk.”
More studies are needed, Tommy’s team concluded, particularly studies that look at whether a food group or diet is linked to miscarriage risk, and studies that can accurately predict how effective dietary changes might be at critical stages of pregnancy. and pregnancy.