I'm wondering which foods and/or herbs could cause problems if you're trying to get pregnant. I'm 42 years old and not really trying, but wouldn't mind another one. I had a miscarriage in June, so I'm not sure that I'm emotionally ready to try again yet, but I'm not getting any younger either. I'd really rather not go through another miscarriage though, especially if there are simple things I can do to prevent it.

As we get older getting pregnant becomes harder and harder due to genetics/chromosomes.

The usual health messages such as limit alcohol/toxins, eat healthy balance nutritious meals, get enough water and deep REM sleep, reducing mental stress, more flexibility/strength exercise and checking with your doctor about prescription drugs plays a large part

That said, I have heard that tansy is one of the plants that we should avoid. Raspberry leave tea can help induce/shorten labor, not too sure about the actual raspberry fruit, so I would also include that on my list too. Overall I would probably avoid muscle stimulants, and anything that move our mental stage away from a more "neutral state".

Maybe I didn't word the question clearly. I already know that there is a possibility that if I do get pregnant, there could be a faulty chromosome involved. What I am asking is whether there are things I should avoid eating that could negatively impact pregnancy even if I do happen to get pregnant and nothing is wrong with the egg. I don't want to inadvertently increase my chances of losing another pregnancy.

Actually, what you said about limiting toxins is precisely what I'm asking. I know, for instance, that wild carrot seeds have been used as birth control, so obviously it would be a bad choice to eat them while trying to conceive. That's pretty much the only thing I am aware of, but being aware of that one makes me realize that there could be other "edible" plants that should be avoided if you want to have a healthy pregnancy.

Hi Bethany,
My book contains a notation on all the herbs listed for preconception as well, so you can easily find things that may work against you. One thing I can think of off the top of my head is agave. The plant they make all the sugary syrups from is a really effective birth control. The key to healthy reproductive cells with longevity is to ensure that your overall health is optimal (both you and your partner). All of that "expiration date" theory talk makes me crazy. The population they study to come up with those numbers is generally filled with the typical degenerative diseases and heavy inflammation. Inflammation is the enemy of fertility. If you want to extend your fertility into your later years don't leave health issues unattended, reduce inflammatory foods and lifestyle choices and focus on optimal nutrition. You ALWAYS have a chance to have chromosomal abnormalities... this is not a predetermined state simply because of age, but the chances improve with the accumulated degeneration and inflammation typical to our current lifestyle.

Thanks, Dawn. That helps. I don't eat agave, so I won't have to worry about that one. I'll have to pick up a copy of your book, I think.