Summary of How Grain and Dairy Could Lower Your Risk of Miscarriage:
A review of 20 studies has found that a preconception and early-pregnancy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs, and grain may be associated with reducing the risk of miscarriage. Consuming these foods was linked to a significant reduction in miscarriage risk, while a diet high in processed food was associated with doubled miscarriage risk. The analysis, conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham and funded by Tommy’s, concluded that a whole diet containing healthy foods or foods rich in antioxidant sources and low in pro-inflammatory foods or unhealthy food groups might be associated with a reduction in miscarriage risk for women.
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Preconception and Early-Pregnancy Diet May Reduce Miscarriage Risk, Review Concludes
A review of 20 studies conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham, funded by Tommy’s, suggests that a preconception and early-pregnancy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs, and grain may be associated with reducing the risk of miscarriage. The review found that high consumption of these foods has been linked to a significant reduction in miscarriage risk. In contrast, a diet high in processed food was associated with a doubled miscarriage risk.
Evidence to Suggest that a Whole Diet Containing Healthy Foods Reduces Miscarriage Risk
The researchers suggested that a whole diet containing healthy foods or foods rich in antioxidant sources and low in pro-inflammatory foods or unhealthy food groups may reduce miscarriage risk for women. The research review, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, concluded that evidence suggests a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs, and grain reduces miscarriage risk. However, the researchers also examined whether pre-defined dietary types, such as the Mediterranean or Fertility Diet, could be linked to miscarriage risk. Still, they found no evidence that following these diets lowered or raised risk.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices Can Make a Significant Difference in Reducing the Risk of Miscarriage
Led by Dr. Yealin Chung, the researchers looked at the peri-conception period – a period before and during the first three months of pregnancy. Data collected from 63,838 healthy women of reproductive age were included, with information on their diets typically collected through food frequency questionnaires for each study. Dr. Chung explained that nearly 50% of early pregnancy losses remain unexplained; without a cause, parents often turn to their healthcare providers for guidance on being as healthy as possible and reducing the risk of future miscarriages. “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 added.
Dietary Guidelines for Women and Birthing People
Tommy’s midwife Juliette Ward said that diet advice is one of the most-discussed subjects for them when talking with pregnant women and birthing people. She explained that there aren’t any evidence-based guidelines outlining dietary advice for women and birthing people or their partners, something this review suggests could make a real impact in helping people reduce their risk.
Further, Research Needed
Tommy’s team concluded that more studies are needed, particularly research on whether a food group or diet and its link to miscarriage risk is causal and analysis that could accurately estimate how effective a change in diet could be in the critical stages of conception and pregnancy.
In conclusion, the review suggests that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs, and grain may be associated with reducing the risk of miscarriage. The findings could help providers make evidence-based recommendations to women and birthing people to reduce their risk of miscarriage.
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