TCM theory suggests that a healthy and balanced diet and lifestyle have a significant influence on the reproductive system, and will reduce the risk of miscarriage by as much as 50%. It is just as important for the pre-conceptive mother as it is for the father. So to maximize your chances of conceiving  a healthy baby, we strongly advise you to follow these general rules of a balanced diet and lifestyle:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, preferably slightly cooked vegetables.
• Try to have food that contains high protein, such as lean meat, organic or free range chicken, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and seeds.
• Avoid junk food, excessive dairy products, freezing cold drinks and foods, and hot spicy foods.
• Stop drinking alcohol and smoking. For women, smoking and drinking cause hormonal changes that can lead to menstrual irregularities and even anovulation. These changes can drastically decrease a woman’s chance of conceiving and thus affect fertility; for men, excessive alcohol intake and smoking can decrease their sperm count and even affect sperm quality.
• Eliminate caffeine, sodas, sweeteners, and refined carbohydrates. Research suggests that high caffeine intake can affect both male and female fertility, and impair your body’s absorption of iron and calcium. It has also been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage.
• Eat small amount of red meats like beef, lamb etc. Do not eat any meat or animal products that have been treated with growth hormones.
• Avoid excessive stress, worry and working long hours or anything that is taxing to your immune system, make sure you have sufficient sleep. Take regular breaks during the day, use relaxation techniques once a day (e.g. meditation or Taichi etc).
• If at all possible, avoid unnecessary medications or drugs, including over-the-counter preparations. Always look for natural remedies if necessary.
• Taking regular and moderate exercise can improve blood circulation and boost up your energy level, relieve stress, anxiety and depression, balance your mental and physical health, and hence increase your chances of conceiving. However, we do NOT recommend any intensive exercise, especially around your follicular and ovulation phases or after embryos are transferred if you are having IVF or ICSI. It may overconsume your energy, blood and yin (essence), increase your body heat, impair your egg quality or sperm quality and quantity for men, and therefore decrease your fertility or affect implantation if having ACT.