Preparing for Pregnancy: Naturopathic Fertility Support
Just like any other major life event, it’s important to plan and prepare for pregnancy. The odds of a healthy conception increase tremendously when both partners are in a state of good health. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 couples today struggle with infertility, or the inability to conceive within 1 year of trying. This is a huge increase from the past. The good news is, we have the power to support our fertility naturally and influence the health of future generations.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits not only has a positive effect on fertility, but it also positively impacts the health of your future baby. Adequate nutrition, proper hydration, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, stress reduction, and limiting toxic exposures are all essential to optimizing egg and sperm health, increasing chances of a healthy conception. This advice applies to both partners; this journey should not fall solely on the female partner! Male infertility accounts for about 50% of today’s cases, yet there is not enough emphasis on the importance of male fertility care. By supporting each other in creating healthier habits, couples can enhance their chances of starting a healthy family.
One of the fundamental pillars of fertility is nutrition. Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins provides the body with the necessary nutrients to support reproductive health. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can combat oxidative stress, which has been linked to infertility. Additionally, ensuring adequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals—like folate, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids—can optimize hormonal balance and egg and sperm quality. On the other hand, it is strongly recommended to avoid ultra-processed foods with high amounts of refined sugars and a long list of unfamiliar ingredients. A great place to start is to adopt a Paleo- or Mediterranean-like diet.
Reducing exposure to environmental toxins is another important factor in supporting fertility. One critical exposure to consider is through our food. In addition to choosing whole foods in their minimally processed form, it is recommended to opt for organic foods when possible. Prioritize purchasing organic eggs, meats, and produce items on EWG's Dirty Dozen list, which have been found to have the highest amount of pesticides that are harmful to human health. Other exposures to consider include personal care products and household cleaners, which can contain harmful chemicals that may disrupt hormonal balance, negatively impact egg quality, and reduce sperm counts. Opting for more natural alternatives can significantly improve both female and male fertility.
Timing is also key in the fertility journey. Too many of us are uninformed that there are only about 5 days per month when we can get pregnant. Understanding the fertile window—the days leading up to and including ovulation—can increase the likelihood of conception. Monitoring menstrual cycles and understanding the body’s signs of ovulation can help couples identify this optimal time.
Naturopathic medical care is recommended for all couples who are starting to think about family planning, regardless of fertility history. Preconception care involves investigating all aspects of your health in order to prepare the body for pregnancy, prevent struggles conceiving, identify potential causes of infertility early, and optimize the health of both partners and future baby. It’s never too early to start preconception planning, but it’s recommended to start at least 6 months prior to trying to conceive.
For those with a history of infertility, it is important to investigate potential causes, including but not limited to nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, digestive disorders, chronic infections, and autoimmunity. After a thorough intake process, a comprehensive set of blood work, and a semen analysis, each couple is given an individualized holistic healthcare plan. Your plan will include lifestyle recommendations, targeted herbs and supplements, and more. Naturopathic doctors not only provide support during natural conception efforts but also complement conventional treatments like IVF, by reducing medication side effects and increasing success rates. Request information about becoming a patient at Ambrose Integrative Medicine by clicking here.
Written by Sarah Waterhouse, ND