Tips for a Vegan Diet Without Affecting Pregnancy Planning

A well-planned vegan or vegetarian diet does not directly make it hard to get pregnant, but poor nutrition and lack of key fertility-boosting nutrients can increase the risk of infertility. Couples trying to conceive should ensure they get enough protein, iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to support hormonal balance and reproductive health. With proper planning and guidance from a fertility specialist, a plant-based lifestyle can still support a healthy pregnancy journey.

A vegetarian diet is a popular choice in Thailand, especially during the Vegetarian Festival, which involves abstaining from meat and focusing on fruits, vegetables, and grains. However, for couples planning to conceive, careful meal planning is crucial. Without proper nutrition, this lifestyle can negatively impact health, fertility, and pregnancy planning.

What Is the Vegetarian Festival and What Does It Restrict?

The Vegetarian Festival is a nine-day event, held annually in October according to the Chinese lunar calendar, where participants consume only plant-based food without meat or animal products.

The word “Jay” in Chinese is linked to the Buddhist practice of observing precepts and fasting. Originally, it included abstaining from food after noon, similar to observing the Eight Precepts in Thai Buddhism. Today, “Jay” not only means avoiding animal products but also represents maintaining purity of body, speech, and mind.

Participants avoid meat and all animal-derived products, such as lard, innards, fish sauce, milk, and butter. They also abstain from pungent vegetables like garlic and onion, as well as stimulants such as alcohol and tobacco. The practice is therefore not just dietary but also spiritual—cleansing the body and mind in pursuit of purity and merit.

What to Avoid During the Vegetarian Festival (Jay Festival)

• All meat and animal products
• Five pungent vegetables:
  • Garlic (bulbs and sprouts)
  • Onions (all varieties: shallots, white onions, spring onions, scallions)
  • Chinese chives
  • Leeks
  • Tobacco leaves
• Alcohol, addictive substances, and intoxicants
• Immoral acts such as killing, lying, or slander
• Negative thoughts, anger, or behaviors clouding the mind
• Using the same utensils as non-vegetarian food

Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

• Lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart disease risk
• High antioxidant intake from fruits and vegetables, reducing cancer risk
• High fiber from vegetables and grains supports digestion and bowel function
• Reinforces morality and mindfulness, helping achieve inner peace

How Is a Jay Festival Different From a Vegetarian Diet?

• Jay Festival: Religious-based, avoiding all animal products and pungent plants.
• Vegan diet: Avoids meat only, but allows eggs, milk, cheese, and pungent vegetables

 

Common Myths About a Vegan Diet and Jay Festival

It causes protein deficiency.

Not true. Plant-based protein sources such as soy, beans, tofu, and grains provide essential amino acids when consumed in variety.

It always helps with weight loss.

Not true. Some vegan foods are high in sugar and fat, such as fried foods and sweets. Balanced choices are essential to maintain long-term health.

It’s only about food.

Not true. The practice involves ethical and spiritual discipline alongside a plant-based diet, nurturing both physical and mental well-being.

How to Follow a Vegetarian Diet Without Affecting Fertility

While the practice has health and spiritual benefits, couples planning to conceive should ensure proper nutrition to avoid it being hard to get pregnant. Consider these tips:

1. Ensure Adequate and Diverse Protein Intake

Plant proteins such as beans, legumes, and grains provide essential amino acids. However, overly restrictive diets can lead to being underweight and disrupt ovulation, increasing infertility risks.

2. Take Supplements as Recommended by Your Doctor

Those who follow a vegetarian diet should supplement with adequate iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid, as these nutrients are essential for pregnancy and fetal development. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby, vitamin B12 supports the production of red blood cells, and iron is necessary to prevent maternal anemia.

3. Avoid Fried, High-Fat Foods and Control Carbohydrate Intake

High-fat foods add excess calories and increase the risk of obesity, which can negatively impact the reproductive system and ovulation, making it hard to get pregnant. When planning pregnancy, it is important to avoid saturated fats and processed vegetable oils, while also controlling carbohydrate intake to prevent high blood sugar and other health issues.

4. Consult With a Gynecologist and Nutritionist Closely

If you need to join Jay Festival before and during pregnancy, seek guidance from a gynecologist or nutritionist to ensure your body receives all essential nutrients. This is especially important for key nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for the health of both mother and baby.

Consult with a gynecologist to plan proper nutrition before pregnancy.

Jay Festival and Vegetarian Diet Does Not Directly Cause Infertility

In summary, this lifestyle does not directly make it hard to get pregnant. With proper planning and supplementation, it can be compatible with pregnancy planning:

• Emphasize consuming foods and supplements that align with essential nutrition, including:
  • Quality protein from soy and various grains
  • Iron from dark green leafy vegetables and lentils
  • Zinc from pumpkin seeds and whole grains
  • Omega-3 from walnuts and flaxseeds
  • Vitamin B12 in supplement form
  • Vitamin D from sunlight and supplements
• Maintain body weight within the standard BMI range of 18.5-23 kg/m2
• Avoid fried foods, refined flour, and high-sugar items
• Balance protein, carbohydrates, and fats appropriately in every meal

For couples who want to know more about fertility boosting foods and holistic pregnancy preparation, you can consult with our specialists at VFC – V Fertility Center. We provide personalized guidance on nutrition, physical health, emotional well-being, and comprehensive fertility care, supporting you every step of the way until you achieve your goal of becoming parents.

 

Article by Dr. Nannapat Parosiyanont

For inquiries or to schedule an appointment, contact us at:

VFC Center – V-Fertility Center

Hotline: 082-903-2035 

LINE Official: @vfccenter