Eating right isn’t always easy- especially when you’re pregnant and looking at a whole new set of nutrition rules. But even if you’re just starting to think about conceiving, some dietary changes are in order.

We’ve listed a few for you to follow when you get a positive test:

• High mercury fish: Mercury can damage the nervous system, which means that consuming mercury-rich seafood like swordfish and tuna while pregnant could directly harm the fetus. Eating high-mercury fish before you get pregnant can affect the development of the baby’s nervous system.
• Trans fats: Trans fats which are found in foods like certain chips or microwave popcorns, baked goods made with shortening, and fried foods can cause inflammation and insulin resistance which lowers fertility. And if consumed in excess, they can damage your blood vessels, disrupting the flow of nutrients to the reproductive system.
• Low-fat dairy: Low-fat milk, yogurt and other dairy products may contain androgens, make hormones that get left in when fat is removed. These foods and drinks may spur your body to produce androgens, which can interfere with your menstrual cycle.
• Excess alcohol: Women who are about to conceive should avoid alcohol entirely. Alcohol, like mercury, can contribute to infertility, and it depletes your body of vitamin B, which improves your chances of pregnancy and supports a fetus’ growth.
• Raw animal products: Raw meat, seafood, and eggs might contain salmonella, coliform bacteria, or toxoplasmosis, which can infect a fetus if it passes through the placenta. Make sure to cook all animal products thoroughly.

NU Fertility@NU Hospitals has the finest set of infertility specialists in Bangalore that curates the perfect pregnancy diet plan for you.