If you’re thinking about becoming pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions. Conceiving not only means timing ovulation; it also requires understanding how medications, nutrition, and digestive health may influence your fertility.
“Fertility is closely tied to overall metabolic and hormonal health,” says Tia Jackson-Bey, MD, MPH, a reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York and in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility for the Mount Sinai Health System. “Your metabolic health and digestive function both play an important role in fertility, and the steps you take now, along with support from your care team, can help build a solid foundation for conception and a healthy pregnancy.”
Tia Jackson-Bey, MD, MPH
“With the prevalence of weight loss drugs such as GLP-1 medications, you may have questions about how these may affect pregnancy and the ability to conceive,” adds Stephanie Gold, MD, a gastroenterologist at the Mount Sinai Health System. “These medications can be beneficial but need to be incorporated into an overall nutritional plan.”
In this Q&A, the two doctors explain how weight loss medications, nutrition, and your digestive health can affect fertility and pregnancy.
Dr. Jackson-Bey, Dr. Gold and Dara Goldfrey, MS, a registered dietician, recently covered these topics in detail in a webinar. Watch the full video here.
What is metabolic health and how does it affect pregnancy?
Metabolic health refers to your body’s ability to efficiently generate and process energy from food, characterized by optimal blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and waist size Medications such as GLP-1 drugs, commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management, can influence weight, insulin sensitivity, and hormonal balance, all of which play a role in ovulation and reproductive function. For some people, particularly those living with obesity, insulin resistance, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), improving metabolic health may support more regular ovulation and create a more favorable environment for conception. However, treatment decisions should always be personalized, especially for people who are actively trying to conceive or planning pregnancy.
How does digestive health play a role in fertility?
Maintaining a healthy gut and digestive wellness also play a meaningful role in reproductive health. A healthy gastrointestinal system supports proper nutrient absorption, an essential factor for hormone regulation, menstrual cycle consistency, and early pregnancy health.
Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or chronic food intolerances can affect inflammation levels and micronutrient status, which may indirectly influence fertility. Managing digestive symptoms and maintaining balanced nutrition can help ensure you are getting the nutrients you need during the preconception period.
Stephanie Gold, MD
What should I know about nutrition and pregnancy?
Focusing on overall nutritional balance rather than restrictive dieting can help ensure you get the essential nutrients needed to support hormone health and ovulation in early preconception and pregnancy. Here are some steps you can take:
- Prioritize lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- Stay well hydrated
- Ensure adequate intake of key nutrients such as folate, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Monitor calorie and nutrient intake carefully if using weight-management medications
- Work with a care team to maintain both healthy body weight and metabolic stability
Balanced nutrition supports hormone function, energy balance, and reproductive readiness, particularly when medication or digestive conditions may influence appetite or nutrient absorption.
Which health care specialists can help with nutrition and digestive health during pregnancy?
If you are planning to get pregnant, especially if you are considering fertility treatments, taking weight-management medications, or managing digestive conditions, early consultation with your health care team is important. Coordinated care among your reproductive endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, and nutrition specialists can help ensure medications, diet, and treatment plans are aligned with your fertility goals. Early conversations with your care team matter. Personalized planning before conception helps ensure treatments, nutrition, and overall health are working together to support the best possible reproductive outcomes.