Preparing for pregnancy goes far beyond just stopping contraception and ‘hoping for the best’ or timing ovulation; it’s about creating the best possible environment for creating a healthy pregnancy and baby. Preconception care focuses on optimising the health of both future parents, ideally beginning AT LEAST four months before conception. This timeframe allows for full preparation as sperm and egg formation takes up to four months.

So, what exactly does preconception care involve? Here are the essential steps for ensuring a healthy start for both parents and baby:

1. Ensuring Optimal Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in nutrients is crucial for producing healthy sperm and eggs. Supplements may also be recommended to address specific deficiencies, ensuring both parents have the building blocks they need for reproductive health. See my diet tips: https://www.holistichealth.com.au/9-steps-for-eating-to-optimise-your-fertility/

2. Reducing Exposure to Toxins

Our bodies accumulate toxins from environmental sources like chemicals, personal care products, and even cookware. Preconception care includes minimising exposure to harmful substances, such as heavy metals, which can impact fertility and overall health. Other than extra pathology tests from your GP or gynaecologist, one of the tests I recommend is a hair analysis. See: https://www.holistichealth.com.au/hair-mineral-and-heavy-metal-testing-why-how-and-what-do-i-do-with-the-information/

3. Understanding Fertility Timing

Knowing your fertile window is key for successful conception. By understanding fertility patterns, couples can maximise their chances of conception during the optimal time. I offer a complimentary course to explain how to and the important information charting your oral temperatures and vaginal mucus at: https://doreen-s-school-c29d.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-course

Why Preconception Care Matters

Investing in preconception care isn’t just about getting pregnant; it’s about setting the stage for a healthy, full-term pregnancy, a happy baby, and a successful breastfeeding journey. It’s the ultimate in preventative healthcare, with benefits that extend well beyond the early months.

Steps in Preconception Preparation

Here are some important aspects to consider in your preconception journey:

  • Screening for Heavy Metals and Nutrient Levels: Hair analysis and other tests can reveal toxins and deficiencies that may need correction.
  • Minimising Environmental Hazards: Limiting exposure to electromagnetic radiation, harmful chemicals, and other pollutants is essential.
  • Addressing Health Issues: Treat any existing conditions, such as allergies or genitourinary infections, that could affect fertility.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Avoid smoking, recreational drugs, excess caffeine, and unnecessary medications.
  • Improving Diet Quality: Opt for organic food, filtered water, and balanced nutrition.
  • Supporting Hormonal Health: Balanced hormones are essential for fertility in both men and women.
  • Regular Exercise and Stress Reduction: Exercise, relaxation, and meditation contribute to overall reproductive health.
  • Achieving a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight supports fertility and helps prevent complications in pregnancy.

Overcoming Infertility with Preconception Care

Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after one year of trying, affects many couples. Preconception care addresses various factors that can contribute to infertility, such as hormonal imbalances, physical issues, and toxins. Many couples find success in overcoming infertility by following preconception care principles and making targeted lifestyle changes.

For women, common causes of infertility include hormonal disturbances (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis), age, and nutritional imbalances. For men, sperm quality issues like low count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology may be contributing factors. By optimizing nutrition, reducing stress, and limiting toxin exposure, couples can often improve fertility outcomes.

Recurrent Miscarriages: Causes and Solutions

Experiencing recurrent miscarriages can be devastating. Causes may include immune or clotting issues, nutrient deficiencies, and infections. Adopting a preconception care plan and targeting specific issues can often lead to a successful, full-term pregnancy.

Preconception Care and IVF

Preconception care is invaluable, even for couples considering IVF. Following a holistic preconception approach improves the couple’s health and may increase the chances of a successful IVF cycle. Integrating natural remedies and lifestyle changes with reproductive technology offers a comprehensive approach to fertility.

Supporting Health During Pregnancy and Beyond

Once conception occurs, preconception care evolves into prenatal care, with continued attention to nutrition, physical health, and mental well-being. Supportive therapies, like Bowen therapy or acupuncture, can help expectant mothers feel their best throughout pregnancy.

Melinda’s Journey to Motherhood:

See my interview from one of my success stories. melinda had both Endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). With my support she now has 4 healthy children.

Join Our Community

If you’re considering starting or growing your family, join our Facebook group, Create Healthy Babies, to connect with others on a similar journey. For clients working directly with Doreen, there’s also a VIP group with additional resources and support.

Make an Appointment

Ready to get started? Book a complimentary “Fertility Discovery Call” with Doreen to discuss your individual needs. Book here.

About Doreen Schwegler Doreen Schwegler is a naturopath and fertility specialist with over 34 years of experience, specializing in helping couples achieve their dream of parenthood. With a background in science, naturopathy, and Bowen Therapy, Doreen has authored books and been featured in numerous health publications. She has helped countless couples overcome fertility challenges, and she’d love to help you too.

Conclusion Preconception care is a powerful way to take control of your fertility journey, boosting your chances of conception, a healthy pregnancy, and a thriving baby. Whether you’re looking to conceive naturally, overcome fertility issues, or pursue IVF, preconception care lays the foundation for a positive experience on your path to parenthood.