Fertility Nutrition and Pregnancy Planning Support
Practical preconception nutrition for women with PCOS and women who want support preparing for pregnancy
Planning a pregnancy can bring excitement, questions and, at times, a lot of pressure. You may be wondering what to eat, whether you need supplements, or how to prepare if your periods are irregular, you have PCOS, or you are managing your weight or blood sugar.
I offer personalised nutrition and lifestyle support for women preparing for pregnancy, whether or not they have PCOS. We focus on the parts of your day-to-day routine that are relevant to you, without restrictive diets or promises about conception.
If you have PCOS, we can include your cycle history, symptoms, appetite, energy and metabolic health in the conversation. If you do not have PCOS, we can still review your usual diet, nutritional needs and practical preconception habits. I also support women who want nutrition guidance alongside care from their GP or fertility clinic.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Strategies to Support PCOS & Reproductive Health
Fertility & Prenatal Support
Reduce Insulin Resistance
Reduce Inflammation
Improve Gut Health
Is preconception nutrition support right for you?
You may be looking for support if you:
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are thinking about trying for a baby in the next few months or longer term
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have PCOS, irregular periods or questions about ovulation
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have come off hormonal contraception and want to understand your cycle and nutrition needs
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are unsure what a balanced pre-pregnancy diet looks like
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feel caught between conflicting advice about weight, carbohydrates, supplements or fertility diets
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have cravings, low energy or a busy routine that makes regular meals difficult
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are following a vegetarian or vegan diet, avoiding foods or managing digestive symptoms
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are preparing for fertility investigations or treatment and want practical nutrition support alongside your medical care
You do not need to have a perfect diet before asking for help. We will look at your starting point, identify the changes most likely to be useful for your circumstances and agree manageable next steps.
How PCOS can affect pregnancy planning
PCOS can be associated with irregular or infrequent ovulation, which may make it harder to predict fertile days. Some women with PCOS also experience changes in appetite, energy, weight or blood glucose regulation. The picture is different for each person, and PCOS is only one of many factors that can affect conception.
Nutrition and lifestyle support can help you build practical habits and review your preconception nutrition. It cannot confirm whether you are ovulating, identify the cause of fertility difficulties or guarantee pregnancy. If you have very irregular or absent periods, or concerns about your fertility, speak with your GP as well as seeking nutrition support.
What we can work on together
There is no single fertility diet that suits everyone. Our starting point depends on your health history, food preferences, routine, symptoms and pregnancy plans. This may include:
Building satisfying meals
We can look at whether your meals provide enough nourishment and help you feel satisfied. A useful starting point for many people is to include a source of protein, vegetables or fruit, a higher-fibre carbohydrate and some healthy fat in main meals. There is no need to remove bread, potatoes, pasta or other carbohydrates unless you have individual medical advice to do so.
Reviewing your preconception nutrition
We can review your usual food intake and consider nutrients relevant to preconception, such as folate, iron, vitamin D, iodine, vitamin B12, calcium and omega-3 fats. Your needs depend on your diet and personal circumstances. I can help you identify questions to discuss with your GP, midwife or fertility team.
NHS guidance recommends taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily while trying to conceive, ideally starting three months before pregnancy. Some people are advised to take a higher prescribed dose. Please check with your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure which dose is appropriate for you. See the NHS guidance on pregnancy vitamins and supplements.
Supporting metabolic health and weight goals
If you have PCOS or are working on blood glucose, appetite or weight, we can explore regular meals, protein and fibre intake, enjoyable movement, sleep and recovery. Weight is not a measure of your worth, and you do not need to reach a particular number before you deserve support. If weight change is one of your goals, we will keep the approach gradual and compatible with good nourishment.
Making routines workable
Preconception advice can feel like another long list to manage. We can choose a few realistic habits that fit around your work and home life, such as planning reliable lunches, eating more consistently, adding variety to meals or finding a movement routine you enjoy. The aim is to make changes you can continue, rather than follow a short-term fertility diet.
Support for women with PCOS
Creating a Personalised Nutrition PCOS Fertility Action Plan
If you have PCOS, pregnancy preparation can be included in my 12-week Hormone Shift Method. The programme provides structured nutrition and health coaching, adapted to your health history, symptoms and goals.
Depending on the support option you choose, it may include an initial assessment, personalised recommendations, weekly guides, meal inspiration, consultations and progress reviews.
The programme does not replace fertility assessment or medical care. If PCOS is not part of your experience, we can use an introductory call to discuss your goals and whether my individual nutrition support is a suitable fit.
Nutrition support alongside fertility treatment
You can seek nutrition support while preparing for fertility investigations or treatment, including ovulation medication, IUI or IVF. Support can focus on eating regularly, maintaining adequate nourishment, reviewing supplement use with your clinic, and finding manageable meals around appointments or treatment side effects.
Your fertility team should know about any supplements you take. Do not start, stop or change prescribed medication without advice from your GP or specialist. Nutrition support is intended to complement the care of your medical team.
Do I need functional testing?
Not necessarily. Many people can start by reviewing their diet, health history, symptoms and any relevant information already provided by their healthcare team. If a test seems relevant, we can discuss its purpose, limits and cost before you decide whether to proceed.
Functional tests do not diagnose fertility problems or replace investigations arranged by your GP or fertility specialist. Testing is optional and should be considered only when it is appropriate to your situation.
When to speak to your GP
Please speak with your GP if your periods are very irregular or absent, you are concerned that you may not be ovulating, you have a health condition or take medication that could affect pregnancy, or you have been trying to conceive without success. NHS guidance advises seeking help after one year of trying; women aged 36 or over, and anyone already aware of a possible fertility problem, should seek advice sooner. Read the NHS guidance on getting help with fertility.
Do not stop prescribed medication while planning a pregnancy unless your GP or specialist advises you to do so. The NHS recommends discussing health conditions and medicines with your GP before trying to conceive. Read the NHS pregnancy planning guidance.
About Lisa
I’m Lisa Smith, a BANT and CNHC registered nutritionist and health coach with more than a decade of experience supporting women with nutrition and lifestyle changes. I work online with clients across the UK.
My approach is evidence-based and practical. I help you make sense of nutrition information, decide what is relevant to your circumstances and turn it into steps that fit around real life. I do not promise conception or pregnancy outcomes, and I encourage appropriate medical advice whenever it is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have fertility nutrition support if I do not have PCOS?
Yes. I support women preparing for pregnancy with or without PCOS. We can discuss your diet, nutritional needs and routines. If you need fertility assessment or specialist care, this should be arranged with your GP or fertility team.
Can nutrition support help if I have PCOS and irregular periods?
We can review your nutrition and lifestyle and discuss practical ways to support your general health. Irregular or absent periods should also be discussed with your GP, who can assess possible causes and advise on appropriate care.
Should I change my diet before trying to conceive?
There is no one fertility diet that everyone needs to follow. A varied, balanced pattern and adequate nourishment are sensible foundations. Any changes should reflect your health, preferences and circumstances rather than strict online rules.
Do I need to lose weight before pregnancy?
Not everyone needs to lose weight, and weight alone does not explain fertility. If weight change is one of your goals, we can discuss a gradual approach that supports adequate nutrition and your relationship with food. Speak with your GP or fertility team about individual medical advice.
Can you support me during IVF?
Nutrition support can sit alongside IVF care and focus on practical eating, nutrient intake and routines during a demanding time. Your fertility clinic remains responsible for medical advice and treatment decisions.
Do you recommend supplements?
Supplement needs vary. We can review what you already take and discuss whether anything needs checking with your GP, pharmacist or fertility clinic. NHS guidance recommends folic acid when trying to conceive; speak to a healthcare professional if you may need a prescribed higher dose.
NO OBLIGATION CALL
Ready for Fertility Nutrition Support?
A no-obligation call lasts up to 30 minutes via Zoom or phone, it's a great way for us to discuss your symptoms and how I can help with a nutrition plan tailored for pregnancy planning and fertility nutrition support. You can also ask any questions and decide if we are a good fit before working together. Based in Greater Manchester, I work with clients online across the UK and Europe.