Preconception care requires a commitment from the parents-to-be to follow the programme, making changes in diet and lifestyle as needed, and ensuring herbs and supplements are taken as needed. Charting of the woman’s menstrual cycle is vital, both as a diagnostic tool, and for timing of conception. The couple should also take responsibility for obtaining any tests needed e.g. for GUIs.
Nutrition:
It is essential for prospective parents to eat a diet high in nutrients for at least 3 months prior to pregnancy. Food additives, colourings and preservatives should be removed from the diet, and specific nutrients for a healthy conception should be introduced.
Allergies/Malabsorption:
Food allergies can reduce nutrient absorption and lead to malnourishment and deficiencies, which will affect the health of the couple and their likelihood of conception. By addressing these allergies, symptoms will be reduced or eliminated, leading to an overall improvement in health and well-being, with greater likelihood of conception.
Lifestyle:
Stress hormones interfere with sex hormone production, delaying conception. Using cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine or other drugs to reduce stress can have a huge impact on health and likelihood of conception, and may lead to ill-health in the baby.
Exercise is important for increasing fitness and reducing stress, but excessive exercise can reduce fertility.
Toxins:
Environmental chemicals may have effects on sperm numbers and motility. Pesticides have been linked to altered hormone levels, poor sperm quality and miscarriage.
Electromagnetic radiation can affect all parts of the reproductive system and has been linked to miscarriage and stillbirth.
Health Checks:
Genito-urinary infections can affect fertility. Some of these may be sexually transmitted, and many can be present without symptoms. Untreated, GUIs may lead to recurrent miscarriage or affect the health of the baby.
Fertility Awareness:
Learning to chart the menstrual cycle and recognising the most fertile time is essential to maximise conception. During the preconception time, Natural Fertility Awareness is used for contraception, and can then be used once the parents are ready to conceive.
