How Grain and Dairy Could Lower Your Risk of Miscarriage

A new review of research 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. High consumption of these foods has been linked to a significant reduction in miscarriage risk, while a diet high in processed food was associated with a doubling of miscarriage risk.

A recent review of research suggests that a preconception and early-pregnancy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs, and grains may be linked to a reduced risk of miscarriage.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham, funded by Tommy’s, conducted a review of 20 studies to examine the eating habits of women and birthing individuals in the months prior to and shortly after conception. The purpose of the analysis was to determine if there was any evidence linking these habits to a lower or higher risk of miscarriage.

Writing in the scientific journal Fertility and Sterility the Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research team concludes that there is evidence to suggest a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, seafood, dairy products, eggs, and grain reduces miscarriage risk.

These are foods that typically make up ‘healthy’ well-balanced diets, with previous evidence showing that eating a well-rounded diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals during pregnancy is important.

The research review found that, when compared to low consumption, a high intake of fruit may be associated with a 61% reduction in miscarriage risk. High vegetable intake may be associated with a 41% reduction in miscarriage risk. For dairy products, it is a 37% reduction, 33% for grains, and 19% for seafood and eggs.

Led by Dr. Yealin Chung, researchers also looked at whether pre-defined dietary types, such as the Mediterranean Diet or Fertility Diet could also be linked to miscarriage risk. They could not find evidence that following any of these diets lowered or raised risk.

However, a whole diet containing healthy foods overall, or foods rich in antioxidant sources, and low in pro-inflammatory foods or unhealthy food groups may be associated with a reduction in miscarriage risk for women.

A diet high in processed food was shown to be associated with a doubling of miscarriage risk.

The studies included in the analysis focused on the peri-conception period – a period before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Data collected from a total of 63,838 healthy women of reproductive age was included, with information on their diets typically collected through food frequency questionnaires for each study.

Dr. Chung explains:

“Miscarriage is common, with estimates suggesting 1 in 6 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and there are many known causes, from problems with the baby’s chromosomes to infections in the womb.

“Yet nearly 50% of early pregnancy losses remain unexplained and in the absence of a cause, parents often turn to their healthcare providers for guidance on the best ways to be as healthy as possible and reduce 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.

“We strongly encourage couples to consider the importance of making positive lifestyle choices when planning for a family, and to continue with these healthy choices throughout their pregnancy and beyond. 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.”

Tommy’s midwife Juliette Ward says:

“Advice on diet is one of the most-discussed subjects for us when talking with pregnant women and birthing people. We know that baby loss is very rarely the result of someone’s lifestyle choices, but many people want to know how to be as healthy as possible during pregnancy. Following a healthy diet, taking supplements like Vitamin D and folic acid, exercising, and trying to lower stress are all things people can try to do, but there’s been a lack of clear evidence on the links between diet choices and miscarriage.

“Given this lack of evidence, there aren’t any evidence-based guidelines outlining dietary advice for women and birthing people or their partners – something the findings of this review suggest could make a real impact in helping people reduce their risk.”

More studies are needed, the Tommy’s team concludes, particularly research that looks at whether a food group or diet and its link to miscarriage risk is causal, and research that could accurately estimate how effective a change in diet could be in the critical stages of conception and pregnancy.

Reference: “The association between dietary patterns and risk of miscarriage: a systematic review and meta-analysis” by Yealin Chung M.B.B.S, M.R.C.O.G, Pedro Melo Ph.D., M.R.C.O.G, Oonagh Pickering B.Sc, Rima Dhillon-Smith Ph.D., M.R.C.O.G, Arri Coomarasamy M.D, F.R.C.O.G and Adam Devall Ph.D., 13 April 2023, Fertility and Sterility.
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.04.011

The study was funded by the Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research