Why Preconception Care is Important
Why seek preconception care?
Engaging with a practitioner who offers preconception care is one of the best decisions you can make before making a baby. Think of it as a ‘pre-pregnancy WOF’ that will benefit you and your future child.
Pregnancy is a major physiological event that places enormous demands on your body. Preconception care aims to get you into tip-top condition (with excellent nutrient stores) by the time you become pregnant. For some women, this makes the difference between a brutally taxing pregnancy and a smooth-sailing one. That said, preconception care involves both partners, which is a lovely way for dads to be actively involved in this special phase of life that is too often focused entirely on the mum-to-be.
The health-promoting practices used as part of a preconception programme work to promote the health of the egg and sperm that go on to become your baby. How incredible is it that you have the power to influence this process?
What does preconception care involve?
Preconception care will look slightly different from one couple/individual to the next. Factors that influence this include age, fertility history and underlying disorders.
Most preconception care programmes will involve appropriate blood testing and you may receive supplementation or herbal medicine to suit your unique needs.
Your practitioner will work with you to manage any existing conditions that may impact your fertility, like PCOS, endometriosis, hypothalamic amenorrhoea or thyroid disorders. You will receive guidance on eating to support egg/sperm health, managing stress and living a lifestyle that promotes fertility. You’ll also get a run down on how your menstrual cycle works and (the fun part!) become a fertility-super-detective by learning how to understand your fertile signs.
When to make an appointment
To allow yourself time to adjust to any suggested dietary and lifestyle changes, book in with your naturopath at least 4 months in advance (it is recommended to begin preconception care a minimum of 3 months before you plan to conceive). Why 3 months? Because it takes approximately 100 days for an egg to complete the final stage of maturation (while sperm takes 72-76 days to mature). 3 months also allows enough time to correct most nutrient deficiencies. Take note that 3-4 months is an absolute minimum - it's never too early to begin preconception care. Starting early will help you to develop good habits and build nutrient stores, like iron and vitamin D.
Ready to get started?
Affordable appointments will be available with me from March-April 2023 in the student clinic at South Pacific College of Natural Medicine in Auckland. I’d love to help you on your journey to parenthood. Please contact me by emailing sundaynaturopathy@gmail.com for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gemma is a fertility and women’s health naturopath in Auckland, New Zealand. She is a mother to 3-year-old Laura and an avid (perhaps slightly obsessive) cook. In her spare time, you’ll find her rummaging through her cookbook collection, hitting up local restaurants or pottering in the veggie garden.