Trying to Get Pregnant? Avoid These 6 Foods That Could Be Affecting Your Fertility

A 2007 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition identified an increased risk for infertility in women who consumed more trans fats compared to polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. In fact, women who consumed more trans fats than monounsaturated fats had double the risk of ovulatory infertility. Trans fats can be found in foods like potato chips, fast food, and prepackaged sweets like cakes and pies.

Nancy Weiss, a fertility coach with Grateful Life Wellness, told POPSUGAR that women should "try to opt for whole foods that are minimally processed. It's OK to indulge, but be aware of the potential hidden amounts of trans fats in food."

Consuming foods and beverages high in caffeine should be done in moderation during preconception and pregnancy. Rachel Engelhart, MA, RD, LPC, told POPSUGAR: "Women trying to get pregnant should consider limiting their coffee intake to 200 mg or less (i.e. 6 to 8 ounces of coffee) per day. There is some conflicting information around this, but most healthcare specialists recommend avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine to circumvent any adverse effects on fertility."

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises women to consume 6 ounces or less of fish with high mercury concentration, like tuna, while trying to get pregnant or if already pregnant. But before you start avoiding seafood restaurants all together, know it's OK to consume 2-3 servings of low-mercury fish per week, like catfish, salmon, and tilapia.

Julie Wallace, RDN, LD, CSP, told POPSUGAR that eating a controlled amount of seafood is actually "a great way for Mom and baby to get in protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and trace nutrients such as iodine."

A 2007 Oxford Academic study looking at high intake of low-fat dairy showed an increased risk in infertility. Nutritionist and dietician Mor Levy Volner, RDN, IBCLC, MS, works with a lot of new moms, and told POPSUGAR: "Dairy is the number one food I will remove [from their diets] that has the most impact with regards to my clients' fertility. Usually the first thing I recommend doing is eliminating dairy protein from their diet. I've seen the best results from this simple adjustment."

Although you don't need to shy away from alcohol altogether, Jessica Hazen, MS, RDN, LD, IBCLC with Portland Pediatric and Family Nutrition, explained to POPSUGAR that "drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day can deplete your body of essential nutrients needed to conceive and prepare your body to grow a baby. Excessive alcohol intake appears to cause oxidative stress and overall inflammation in the body, which can not only negatively affect sperm production in males, but also one's overall fertility and ability to conceive."

It's also important for a woman to limit alcohol during pre-conception, as you're not always aware when you become pregnant and you want to limit negative consequences to the baby during early pregnancy.

Not all sugars are created equal, but foods high in simple sugars should be traded in for more complex carbohydrates while trying to get pregnant. A study by Harvard Health concluded: "Choosing slowly digested carbohydrates that are rich in fiber, like whole grains, vegetables, whole fruits, and beans, instead of rapidly digested carbs can improve fertility by controlling blood sugar and insulin levels."