Why fatherhood begins before conception
Did you know? Your partner’s diet and lifestyle can play a vital role in conceiving your future baby.
When talking about eating for a healthy pregnancy, moms tend to get all the attention. But there’s growing evidence that dads’ lifestyle and weight might also be a factor in fertility.
The dads-to-be diet
Men who are overweight are more likely to have a lower sperm count than men who maintain a healthy weight. Emerging research also indicates that losing weight may have a positive effect on a man’s sperm. The quality of dad’s diet matters too. We used to think some nutrients, such as folic acid, were only important for moms. However, scientists have discovered that men may need vitamins and minerals to help conception as well. “A diet rich in fruit and vegetables, which provides fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, may be beneficial for both mom’s and dad’s fertility,” says Dr. Robert DiGregorio, D.O., Head of Global Regulatory Affairs at Nestlé Nutrition.
Eating to prepare for pregnancy
Of course, it’s not all about dad. What you eat and your overall health may also influence your chances of becoming pregnant. Research indicates that would-be moms may influence their fertility by maintaining a healthy weight and diet. Eating foods rich in vegetable protein, such as beans, and healthy fats, such as olive oil, can play a part. Choosing complex carbohydrates, instead of refined or high-sugar foods, may help keep blood sugar levels stable, which can also be a factor in fertility.
Eating a nutritious diet can also help ensure that when you do conceive, your developing baby has all the nutrients needed to grow healthily even before you know you are pregnant. “When thinking about starting a family, ensuring both parents-to-be have a healthy diet and weight is a very good place to start,” advises Dr. DiGregorio.
Sources
Braga D, Halpern G, Figueira R et al. Food intake and social habits in male patients and its relationship to intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:53-9.
Chavarro JE, Rich-Edwards JW, Rosner BA et al. Diet and lifestyle in the prevention of ovulatory disorder infertility. Obstet Gynecol 2007; 110:1050-8.
Chavarro JE, Rich-Edwards JW, Rosner BA et al. Dietary fatty acid intakes and the risk of ovulatory infertility. Am J Clin Nutr 2007; 85:231-7.
Chavarro JE, Rich-Edwards JW, Rosner BA et al. Protein intake and dietary infertility. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008; 198(2):e1-210.e7.doi:10.1016.
Chavarro JE, Rich-Edwards JW, Rosner BA et al. Use of multivitamins, intake of B vitamins, and risk of ovulatory infertility. Fertil Steril 2008; 89:668-76.
Donkin I, Versteyhe S, Ingerslev et al. Obesity and bariatric surgery drive epigenetic variation of spermatozoa in humans. Cell Metabol 2016; 23:369-78.
Eslamian G, Amirjannati N, Rashidkhani B et al. Intake of food groups and idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a case-controlled study. Hum Reprod 2012; 27 (11):3328-36.
Gesink Law DC, Maclehose RF, Longnecker MP. Obesity and time to pregnancy. Hum Reprod 2007; 22 (2):414-20.
Hammoud A, Wilde N, Gibson M et al. Male obesity and alteration in sperm parameters. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:2222-5.
Mendiola J, Torres-Cantero A, Vioque J et al. A low intake of antioxidant nutrients is associated with poor semen quality in patients attending fertility clinics. Fertil Steril 2010; 93(4):1128-33.
Minguez-Alarcon L, Mendiola J, Lopez-Espin J et al. Dietary intake of antioxidant nutrients is associated with semen quality in young university students. Hum Reprod 2012; 27(9):2807-14.
Sermondade N, Faure C, Fezeu L et al. BMI in relation to sperm count: an updated systematic review and collaborative meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19 (3): 221-31.
Sharma R, Biedenharn K, Fedor J et al. Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; doi:10.1186/1477-7827-11-66
van der Steeg JW, Steures P, Eijkemans JC et al. Obesity affects spontaneous pregnancy chances in subfertile, ovulatory women. Hum Reprod 2008; 21(2):324-8.
Wong WY, Zielhuis GA, Thomas CM et al. New evidence of the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors on sperm count in man. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2003; 110:49-54.
Related articles
What’s your blood sugar number?
The key question to ask if you’re being tested for, or monitoring, gestational diabetes.
2 mins to read
How to protect your baby before conception
Did you know? There are steps you can take to protect your baby-to-be from problems during pregnancy and beyond.
1 min to read
7 simple food swaps to consider before you get pregnant
Eating well now can have a positive impact on your pregnancy, as well as a lasting effect on your baby’s health.
4 mins to read
Did you know?
A mom-to-be does not need to eat for two
1 min to read
The 11 baby-ready questions you need to ask
Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your plans to become pregnant, then fill out this preconception checklist and take it with you.
2 mins to read
Pregnancy and dietary considerations
Pregnancy is exciting, exhilarating and totally different for every woman.
4 mins to read
Feed your future family
Eating well before you conceive can help your future baby have the best possible start in life. Here’s how to get some of the essential vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy pregnancy.
4 mins to read
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy nutrition
Eating for two doesn’t mean eating twice as much food, but it should mean making your food work twice as hard.
5 mins to read
Newborn taste preferences | Did you know?
Babies’ taste preferences start before they are born
1 min to read
Your baby-ready diet
Learn how to enjoy a variety of healthy foods each day to give your pregnancy – and your baby-to-be – a healthy start!
1 min to read
Did you know?
Maternal nutrition during pregnancy can influence baby's lifelong health
1 min to read
Pregnancy weight gain
There are many things you can do to prepare for the delivery of a healthy baby. One of the most important things is eating right to gain the extra weight you’ll need to support another life.
1 min to read
Stay-healthy menu planner
Moderately active? Aim for around 2000 calories a day and eat a variety of healthy foods each day to set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy.
1 min to read
Tips to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy
Did you know? If you’re thinking about starting a family, making small changes to your diet and lifestyle now can have a big impact on your baby-to-be in the future.
2 mins to read
Tips to help with breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding is a learned process—by mom and baby—and you may face some challenges in the first few months of breastfeeding.
4 mins to read
How your baby develops
Pregnancy is an exciting time, full of changes and anticipation.
3 mins to read
Planning to breastfeed?
Practical action steps to take before, during, and after birth
5 mins to read
The benefits of breastfeeding
Breastmilk has everything your little one needs to grow*—and offers benefits for you, too.
3 mins to read
