New Research Suggests That High Fruit And Vegetable Intake May Be Associated With A Lower Risk Of Miscarriage
According to a new research review, eating a diet consisting of dairy, eggs, fruit, vegetables, seafood, and grain during preconception and early pregnancy may be linked to reduced miscarriage risk.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham recently analyzed 20 studies that focused on women’s eating habits during the months leading up to and after the conception of a baby.
The goal of this review was to determine whether or not there was any evidence linking diet to a lower or higher likelihood of miscarriage.
“Miscarriage is common, with estimates suggesting one in six pregnancies end in miscarriage, and there are many known causes, from problems with the baby’s chromosomes to infections in the womb,” explained Dr. Yealin Chung, the study’s leader.
Despite these known causes, though, almost 50% of losses during early pregnancy remain unexplained. And according to the study’s authors, this adverse outcome might be linked to the foods we eat.
“There’s a growing body of evidence to show that lifestyle changes– including changes to diet, stopping smoking, and not drinking alcohol– before conceiving and in your pregnancy’s early stages may have an impact,” Dr. Chung said.
The analysis ultimately revealed that there is sufficient evidence suggesting that a diet rich in dairy products, eggs, fruit, vegetables, seafood, and grain can actually reduce the risk of miscarriage.
This group of foods is generally what comprises “healthy” or well-balanced diets. But for pregnancies, eating this diet– which is full of vitamins and minerals– could not be more important.
The team found that compared to low fruit consumption, a high intake is associated with a 61% decrease in miscarriage risk. Additionally, eating a lot of vegetables is associated with a 41% decreased risk of miscarriage.
Krakenimages.com – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
Dairy products are also associated with a 37% reduction; meanwhile, grains offer a 33% reduction.
Finally, higher consumption of both seafood and eggs is associated with a 19% decrease in miscarriage risk.
The research team also took the study one step further and studied to see whether certain pre-defined diets– like the Fertility Diet or the Mediterranean Diet–might also have impacts on miscarriage risk.
Although, no evidence suggested that following any of these diets either lowered or raised the risk of miscarriage.
The study did reveal, however, that a whole diet– containing high levels of foods rich in antioxidants and low levels of pro-inflammatory foods– may be associated with a reduced risk of miscarriage among women.
On the flip side, a diet that is high in processed food was actually found to double the risk of miscarriage.
All of the studies included in this analysis were centered around the peri-conception period– or the time leading up to and during the first three months of gestation.
Data collected from a large group of 63,838 women– who were all healthy and of reproductive age– were included in the review. And the data regarding these women’s diets were collected via food frequency questionnaires during the conduction of each study.
“We strongly encourage couples to consider the importance of making positive lifestyle choices when planning for a family and to continue with these healthy choices throughout their pregnancy and beyond,” Dr. Chung concluded.
“By knowing that positive lifestyle choices can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of miscarriage, couples can feel empowered to take charge of their health and the health of their baby.”
Still, Juliette Ward– a midwife from Tommy’s National Center for Miscarriage Research– underscored how there is still a lack of clear links between miscarriages and diet choices.
“Given this lack of evidence, there aren’t any evidence-based guidelines outlining dietary advice for women and birthing people or their partners– something the findings of this review suggest could make a real impact in helping people reduce their risk,” Ward said.
That’s why, moving forward, Ward has advocated for further research that specifically studies whether a food group and its association with miscarriage is casual and that can accurately determine just how effective a diet change could be during the key stages of both conception and pregnancy.
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Fertility and Sterility, visit the link here.
If true crime defines your free time, this is for you: join Chip Chick’s True Crime Tribe
She Doesn’t Want To Go To Prom With Her Boyfriend Anymore Because He Plans To Wear A Fish Tie
Here’s How You Can Change The Color Of Your Hydrangeas
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
More About:Science
