A comprehensive review of 20 studies by the University of Birmingham, funded by Tommy’s, suggests that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs, and grains before and during early pregnancy may reduce the risk of miscarriage.
The review, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, analyzed data from 63,838 healthy women of reproductive age.
Significant Dietary Impacts on Miscarriage Risk
The analysis revealed:
- High fruit consumption could lead to a 61% reduction in miscarriage risk.
- High vegetable intake might result in a 41% lower risk.
- Dairy products and grains were associated with 37% and 33% reduced risks, respectively.
- Seafood and egg consumption could reduce the risk by 19%.
Conversely, diets high in processed foods were linked to a doubled risk of miscarriage.
Dietary Patterns and Miscarriage Risk
The study also examined specific diets, such as the Mediterranean and Fertility Diets, but found no conclusive evidence that these diets alone could influence miscarriage risk.
However, a diet encompassing overall healthy foods, rich in antioxidants and low in pro-inflammatory or unhealthy food groups, might be linked to a lower risk of miscarriage.
Importance of Preconception and Early Pregnancy Diet
The focus was on the peri-conception period, emphasizing the importance of dietary choices before conception and in the first three months of pregnancy. Researchers collected dietary data typically through food frequency questionnaires.
Dr. Yealin Chung, leading the research, emphasizes that while many causes of miscarriage are known, lifestyle changes before and during early pregnancy stages can impact the risk.
Tommy’s midwife, Juliette Ward, highlights the significance of this study, pointing out the lack of evidence-based dietary guidelines for reducing miscarriage risk. This research suggests that dietary choices can play a crucial role.
The team at Tommy’s advocates for more studies to determine if the observed correlations between diet and miscarriage risk are causal.
They also emphasize the need for research to estimate the effectiveness of dietary changes during conception and early pregnancy stages.
Key Takeaways
This study sheds light on the potential benefits of a healthy, well-balanced diet in reducing the risk of miscarriage. It underlines the importance of making positive lifestyle choices, especially regarding diet, for those planning a family or in the early stages of pregnancy.
While more research is needed, this review offers hopeful insights for couples looking to reduce miscarriage risks through dietary changes.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about plant nutrient that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
The research findings can be found in Fertility and Sterility.
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