5 Tips for Naturopathic Preconception Care
Are you and your partner planning a pregnancy?
If you’re thinking about trying to conceive in the coming months, have a look at the below five tips to point you in the right direction
Preconception care should ideally begin at least 3 to 4 months prior to the conception attempts. This preparation time is necessary as the egg takes 3 months to mature and 2 to 4 months for sperm to develop. Ensuring the health of sperm and egg by managing oxidative stress, reducing toxicity and providing nutritional support notably reduces the risk of miscarriage and supports a full-term uncomplicated pregnancy.
Preconception care ideally should include both yourself and partner - Men have a contribution of half the genetic material!
1. Get updated pathology testing for both you and your partner
Pathology testing will address anything that may need attention before conception takes place. It’s best to have your pathology results addressed by a Naturopath who can identify what is optimal for your presenting concerns and family medical history.
Some suggestions for pathology testing may include:
Full Blood Count
Iron Study
Full Thyroid Function
Female Hormone Testing
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
MTHFR gene test
Glucose + HbA1c
Homocysteine
C reactive protein
Blood Group
Sexual Health Screen
** Drs may not be able to refer for all above testing due to Medicare prerequisites. A Functional Medicine Practitioner/ Naturopath will be able to assist with both the referral and interpreting.
2. Get to know your cycle
There are many variations of normal, but some things (like an irregular cycle, heavy/clotting/painful periods) can make conception more difficult.
Ovulation is the main event of your cycle if you’re planning on becoming pregnant or not. Regular ovulation is how we make the hormone Progesterone.
Tracking ovulation can be done taking your daily basal temperature and tracking for cervical fluid.
While apps are great for recording your cycle and changes throughout, it will not identify your ovulation accurately as it uses an algorithm method.
3. Review your diet and fertility nutrition
Research supports a Mediterranean-style diet to support fertility.
Other suggestions such as eating the rainbow (colourful veg + fruit daily), minimise refined/processed foods and reducing alcohol and caffeine intake is also helpful.
4. What are your current lifestyle habits, and can anything be tweaked?
High stress affects all our body systems and may even delay ovulation. If you’re feeling highly stressed, identify what your triggers are and think about what will help reduce your stress levels. Some stress management tips may include listening to music, art therapy, journaling, catching up with family/friends, regular exercise, or seeking professional assistance from a councillor/psychologist.
Regular physical activity before and throughout pregnancy offers many physical and emotional benefits including stress relief, weight control and faster recuperation following pregnancy.
It’s also beneficial to minimise/avoid exposure to toxins where possible such as plastics, household cleaners, insecticides and cosmetic ingredients containing parabens and pthalates.
5. Consider preconception supplementation advised by a Naturopath
A good starting supplement protocol entails the below for both partners.
Females
Pregnancy Multivitamin with activated B-group vitamins
Active folate, MTHF
Fish oil
Active CoQ10, Ubiquinol
Males
Zinc
Fish oil
Active CoQ10, Ubiquinol
Additional antioxidants such as Vitamin C + turmeric.
Certain herbal medicines may also support female + male health in the preconception period. This should be discussed with your practitioner to ensure its suitable for your personal needs.
If you have any questions or if you are interested in Naturopathic Preconception support for you and your partner, you can learn more at Naturopath Services
* My 5 tips are generalised and an individual topic in itself so please call out if you have any further questions or clarifications.
** Speak with a Qualified Health Practitioner to discuss your personal health needs and support.