What to eat when you want to get pregnant

The essential nutrients and foods that support your fertility
Family planning is often about much more than cycle tracking or hormone tests. Preparing your body – at the cellular level, by reducing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar, and replenishing nutrients – plays a huge role in increasing your chances of conception, whether naturally or through assisted reproduction.
In this blog, I've gathered the most important vitamins, minerals, and foods that have been scientifically linked to supporting fertility. These foundations can help whether you've already been trying for a while or you're just beginning this journey.
Why is nutrient status so important?
Your hormone system, menstrual cycle, egg quality, and implantation are all nutrient-dependent processes.A single deficiency may not cause obvious symptoms, yet it can quietly reduce fertility over time.
The following micronutrients are especially important – but remember, success is not about taking "as much as possible," but about a balanced, intentional approach.
The 7 most important nutrients when you want a baby
1. Folate (not folic acid) - The #1 supporter of cell division
Folate is essential for cell renewal, DNA formation, and early fetal development.Supplementation should begin before conception.
Food sources:
• spinach, kale
• broccoli
• avocado
• lentils
2. Vitamin D – hormonal balance & IVF success
Vitamin D is not
"just a vitamin," but a hormone-like compound that influences:
✓ estrogen–progesterone balance
✓ immune
system function
✓ IVF
success rates
Sources:
• sunlight
• egg
yolk
• fatty
fish
• supplements
based on lab results
3. Iron – a foundation for circulation and implantation
Iron
deficiency is extremely common among women, especially with heavy
periods.
Low iron negatively affects ovulation and implantation.
Sources:
• red
meat, liver
• spinach,
lentils, beetroot juice
• pumpkin
seeds, dried apricots
Important:
Only
take iron after testing and with targeted dosing. This is the one
micronutrient that must be used with great caution. Other options exist—feel
free to ask me for guidance!
4. Zinc – fine-tuning ovulation and progesterone production
Zinc supports follicle development, progesterone levels, and immune balance.
Sources:
• pumpkin
seeds, sunflower seeds
• legumes
• nuts
• eggs, beef
Important balance:
Too
much iron can block zinc absorption.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids - the key to lowering inflammation
EPA and DHA help reduce inflammation, support ovulation, and improve egg quality.
Sources:
• salmon,
sardines
• chia
seeds, flaxseed
• walnuts
6. Selenium – antioxidant protection for your eggs
Selenium protects eggs from oxidative stress and is essential for thyroid function – a major factor in cycle regularity.
Sources:
• brazil nuts (1–2
per day is enough!)
• eggs
• seafood
• whole grains
7. Antioxidants – cellular protection & inflammation reduction
They help neutralize free radicals and reduce cellular damage.
Sources:
• berries
• citrus fruits
• dark chocolate
• green tea
Foods and habits worth avoiding
✓ too
much sugar and refined carbohydrates
✓ trans
fats (industrial pastries, margarines)
✓ excessive
caffeine
✓ artificial
additives
✓ regular
alcohol consumption
You don't have to be perfect – but reducing these helps restore hormonal balance.

Summary – what you can do today
✔ request
lab work: vitamin D, iron, zinc, selenium
✔ add
more fresh, whole, nutrient-dense foods
✔ begin
supplementation only based on lab values – especially iron and selenium
✔ keep
blood sugar stable
✔ think
of your diet as fine-tuning your body for fertility
A fertility-supportive diet is not a strict or punishing regime, but a conscious, anti-inflammatory lifestyle that nourishes you at the cellular level.
If you'd like personalized support, lab-based guidance, or a customized nutrition plan, I'd be happy to help.
Don't face your simptoms alone!
If you're just starting out — or have already tried but haven't seen results — reach out with confidence!
Together, we'll create a gluten-free diet that's safe, balanced, and enjoyable for you.
Reach out to me with confidence – I'm Edit Milisits, a gluten-sensitive mom of two through IVF and a conscious eater.As a nutrition consultant, I help you uncover the root cause of problmes and find the right solution together.
- Follow me on social media: facebook instagram
- Book a personal consultation.
- Read my e-books.
- Check out my other services.
