Pregnancy Nutrition: What Your Doctor Was Never Taught About Diet, Fertility, and Your Baby's Health

When Jenna Fuhrman got pregnant, her prenatal appointments covered tests, screenings, and medications — but barely touched the factor with the deepest influence on fertility, pregnancy, and her child's lifelong health: what she eats. In this episode, she and her father, Dr. Joel Fuhrman, dig into what the research actually says. Most physicians get little nutrition training, even as the science on prenatal nutrition keeps growing — which means parents who want to give their child the best possible start often have to learn this for themselves. Joel and Jenna cover what to eat before conception and through all nine months, and why small dietary shifts can make a lasting difference for both mother and baby. What you'll learn: The surprising link between a father's diet, sperm quality, and miscarriage risk — why this isn't only about the mother Why what both parents eat before conception may shape fertility, miscarriage risk, and a child's long-term health Getting folate from greens and beans, and how it differs from synthetic folic acid Why Dr. Fuhrman recommends algae-derived DHA and EPA over fish during pregnancy Why ferritin testing — not just standard anemia screening — can reveal more about iron status Managing morning sickness and food aversions with small, frequent portions of nuts, seeds, and beans, without losing nutrient density Supporting healthy blood pressure and blood sugar through pregnancy Why a high-animal-protein diet may not be the optimal approach, and how plant protein supports a healthy baby Whether you're trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or planning ahead, this episode offers practical, science-backed guidance for nourishing both mother and baby.