When Jenna Fuhrman became pregnant, her prenatal appointments covered tests, screenings, and medications — but barely touched one of the factors with the deepest influence on fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and a child's future health: diet.
She wasn't surprised. Most physicians receive limited nutrition training, even as the scientific literature on prenatal nutrition continues to grow. That gap is why parents who want to optimize their health, and give their children the best possible start, often need to take an active role in educating themselves.
In this week's episode, Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Jenna discuss what the research reveals about pregnancy nutrition — the foods, nutrients, and habits that may influence fertility, fetal development, and long-term health.
Watch
Listen
You'll also learn:
The surprising connection between a father's diet, sperm quality, and miscarriage risk — why a healthy pregnancy doesn't begin with the mother alone
Why the diets of both mother and father before conception may influence fertility, miscarriage risk, and the long-term health of a child
The difference between folate from green vegetables and synthetic folic acid, and why it matters
Why Dr. Fuhrman recommends algae-derived DHA and EPA instead of fish during pregnancy
How ferritin levels, not just standard anemia testing, may offer important information about iron status during pregnancy
The role of greens, beans, nuts, and seeds in supporting healthy fetal development and reducing pregnancy complications
Practical strategies for managing nausea and food aversions while maintaining nutrient density
Why high-animal-protein diets may not be the optimal approach to a healthy pregnancy
The months before conception and the nine months of pregnancy are a unique window to influence lifelong health. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods and evidence-based principles, parents can help build the healthiest possible foundation for their growing family.
Protect your health, nourish your baby, and discover how nutrition can help shape the next generation. Listen now.
References
Onyije FM, Dolatkhah R, Olsson A, et al. Risk factors for childhood brain tumours: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies from 1976 to 2022.Cancer Epidemiology 2024, 88:102510.
Carmichael SL, Yang W, Feldkamp ML, et al. Reduced risks of neural tube defects and orofacial clefts with higher diet quality.Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2012, 166:121-126.
Murray LK, Smith MJ, Jadavji NM. Maternal oversupplementation with folic acid and its impact on neurodevelopment of offspring.Nutr Rev 2018, 76:708-721.
Patel KR, Sobczynska-Malefora A. The adverse effects of an excessive folic acid intake.Eur J Clin Nutr 2017, 71:159-163.
Haberg SE, London SJ, Stigum H, et al. Folic acid supplements in pregnancy and early childhood respiratory health.Arch Dis Child 2009, 94:180-184.
Ledowsky C, Scarf V, Sobczyńska-Malefora A, et al. Effects of excess folic acid and high blood folate during preconception and pregnancy: systematic review.Reproductive BioMedicine Online 2026, 53.
Lambert V, Muñoz SE, Gil C, Román MD. Maternal dietary components in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of observational studies to timely promotion of health.Nutrition Journal 2023, 22:15.
Kinshella M-LW, Omar S, Scherbinsky K, et al. Maternal nutritional risk factors for pre-eclampsia incidence: findings from a narrative scoping review.Reproductive Health 2022, 19:188.
Jancsura MK, Grobman WA, Wu J, et al. Association between a Periconception Healthy Plant-Based Diet and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes.The Journal of Nutrition 2026, 156:101577.
Pieroth R, Paver S, Day S, Lammersfeld C. Folate and Its Impact on Cancer Risk.Curr Nutr Rep 2018, 7:70-84.
Hites RA, Foran JA, Carpenter DO, et al. Global assessment of organic contaminants in farmed salmon.Science 2004, 303:226-229.
Lepoutre A, Faassen EJ, Zweers AJ, et al. How the Neurotoxin beta-N-Methylamino-l-Alanine Accumulates in Bivalves: Distribution of the Different Accumulation Fractions among Organs.Toxins (Basel) 2020, 12.
Kaltsas A, Zikopoulos A, Kojovic V, et al. Paternal Contributions to Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Approaches.Medicina 2024, 60:1920.
Skoracka K, Eder P, Łykowska-Szuber L, et al. Diet and Nutritional Factors in Male (In)fertility—Underestimated Factors.Journal of Clinical Medicine 2020, 9:1400.
Chavarro JE, Rich-Edwards JW, Rosner BA, Willett WC. Protein intake and ovulatory infertility.American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2008, 198:210.e211-210.e217.
Derbyshire EJ. Choline in Pregnancy and Lactation: Essential Knowledge for Clinical Practice.Nutrients 2025, 17.
Schiattarella GG, Sannino A, Toscano E, et al. Gut microbe-generated metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide as cardiovascular risk biomarker: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.European Heart Journal 2017, 38:2948-2956.
Zhu Y, Hedderson MM, Sridhar S, et al. Poor diet quality in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of excess fetal growth: a prospective multi-racial/ethnic cohort study.International Journal of Epidemiology 2019, 48:423-432.
Silva DCC, Marques JC, Gonçalves AMM. Microplastics in commercial marine bivalves: Abundance, characterization and main effects of single and combined exposure.Aquatic Toxicology 2025, 279:107227.
Danopoulos E, Jenner LC, Twiddy M, Rotchell JM. Microplastic Contamination of Seafood Intended for Human Consumption: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Environ Health Perspect 2020, 128:126002.
Menzel J, Abraham K, Dietrich S, et al. Internal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in vegans and omnivores.International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 2021, 237:113808.
Warkentin S, Márquez S, Vespalcová H, et al. Dietary patterns and exposure to non-persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals during pregnancy. Environment International 2025, 202:109612.
Pregnancy Nutrition: What Your Doctor Was Never Taught About Diet, Fertility, and Your Baby's Health
June 25, 2026 by Dr. Fuhrman Staff
When Jenna Fuhrman became pregnant, her prenatal appointments covered tests, screenings, and medications — but barely touched one of the factors with the deepest influence on fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and a child's future health: diet.
She wasn't surprised. Most physicians receive limited nutrition training, even as the scientific literature on prenatal nutrition continues to grow. That gap is why parents who want to optimize their health, and give their children the best possible start, often need to take an active role in educating themselves.
In this week's episode, Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Jenna discuss what the research reveals about pregnancy nutrition — the foods, nutrients, and habits that may influence fertility, fetal development, and long-term health.
Watch
Listen
You'll also learn:
The months before conception and the nine months of pregnancy are a unique window to influence lifelong health. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods and evidence-based principles, parents can help build the healthiest possible foundation for their growing family.
Protect your health, nourish your baby, and discover how nutrition can help shape the next generation. Listen now.