February 27, 2012

AURORA, Colo. — One in six couples has a hard time getting pregnant, some with no real explanation as to why.

Now some are looking at their diet, because doctors say what you eat can affect your chances of having a baby.

The Wootens are believers.  The Aurora couple went through three rounds of in vitro fertilization before they got pregnant, and they think their diet may have been what finally did the trick.

“I think it played a huge factor,” said Kelly Wooten.  “She bought a book called “The Fertility Diet” by Sarah Dobbyn, and she followed the advice of her doctors at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine.

Dr. William Schoolcraft, the director of the clinic, says diet can affect fertility in both good and bad ways.  He says first make sure you avoid smoking, alcohol and caffeine, and stay away from saturated fats.

He says do not go on a high protein-low carb diet if you’re trying to get pregnant.   “We’ve done a study showing that impairs fertility,” he said.

Dr Schoolcraft says women should eat lots of vegetables, and fruits with antioxidants like blueberries.  He also suggests taking supplements to boost nitric oxide levels and improve blood flow.

“Blood flow to the testicles and ovaries would improve sperm and egg production,” he said.  Lean meats will help boost iron levels, and while some experts suggest giving up dairy, Dr. Schoolcraft suggests two servings a day.

Kelly Wooten ate a lot of nuts, avocados, and sweet potatoes, paying attention to the omega-3 fatty acids.  She also ate a lot of lean organic meats, grains, vegetables and fruit.  Now she has a beautiful baby girl named Ava, and she is glad she made the effort.

“I think you have to take care of your body first, so that your body can take care of a baby,” she said.

Kim Posey

Fox 31 News