Estimates suggest around 1 in 6 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Almost half of early pregnancy losses are unexplained, though there is some evidence of lifestyle influences both before conception and in the early stages of pregnancy.
A study by Chung Y, Melo P, Pickering O, et al published in April 2023 in Fertility and Sterility revealed that high compared with low consumption of fruit was associated with a 61% reduction in miscarriage risk, while equivalent reductions were 41% for vegetable intake, 37% for dairy products, 33% for grains, and 19% for seafood and eggs.
Their analysis showed that diets with a high antioxidant index score and low in pro-inflammatory foods were associated with reduced miscarriage risk, whereas diets with a high content of processed foods were associated with an almost doubled risk.
What to eat and what to avoid in pregnancy is an issue that often concerns women and their partners, both before pregnancy and perhaps especially if they suffer a miscarriage. 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.
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