Many women start preparing for pregnancy at the same time as they start trying for a baby. These are two completely different time points where preconception should actually begin prior to starting to try for a baby - namely at least 3 months prior to conception. 

If you're not getting the results you expected (a healthy pregnancy) here are 3 common mistakes I see and what you can do instead.

Are you plant-based and trying to conceive?

Mistake #1
Skipping grains and cereals

Mistake #2
Trying to conceive with a Vitamin D deficiency

Mistake #3
Relying solely on supplements to boost nutrient levels

Grains and cereals are a source of fibre, folate, iron and energy. These are three nutrients needed to support healthy ovulation and cells at a basic functioning level.

Skipping grains or not eating enough can put reproduction on the back burner because your body puts living and breathing first over reproduction. Secondly, a diet that is lacking wholegrains and fibre can make it harder for your body to get rid of excess estrogen and make a viable pregnancy (high progesterone levels) possible. 

Oh Vitamin D! It's often a nutrient that is forgotten about but deficiency around the world is common so if you haven't had your vitamin D levels checked, this is your reminder to get them done.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that at adequate levels has been shown to improve the chances of pregnancy by increasing the rates of implantation as it plays a key role in egg survival and growth.

When cells are deficient in Vitamin D there is an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and glucose intolerance.

Supplements are great and they definitely play an important role in the lead up to and through pregnancy. But, supplements in excess of a healthy plant-based diet can mean you end up missing out on a whole heap of nutrients including healthy fats, antioxidants, and fibre. Additionally, eating a varied and balanced diet with lots of colour and variety is key - because of something called the synergist effect of food. 

This means nutrients inside food work together to convey a positive effect on the body compared to if they were eaten in isolation. 

The best known example we have of this is iron and vitamin C. When iron rich foods are combined with 100mg of vitamin C, iron absorption increases by 67%. This is important because iron is a key nutrient needed for a healthy ovulation.

Your Takeaway