Preconception

Conception involves both male and female partners equally

Healthy ova and sperm take around 120 days to develop, so it is ideal if we can start your preconception care plan a minimum of four months prior to trying to conceive. Ensuring both you and your partner are at optimum health prior to conception and are producing healthy sperm and ovum will give your child the best possible start to life.

A preconception care plan addresses your dietary requirements, lifestyle and nutritional supplementation needs. For example, antioxidants are highly important at this time for men, as oxidative stress can damage sperm DNA, increase sperm defects and even increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. Another important nutritional component for male partners is omega 3 fatty acids, particularly Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is important for sperm production, morphology and function. For women, increasing nutrient status including iron, zinc, folate, iodine, and selenium provides every opportunity for healthy implantation and a safe, enjoyable pregnancy. DHA is also prescribed for women, as it is one of the major building structures of the brain and central nervous system, and directly assists the development of the brain and nervous system in your baby.

 

We also offer specific preconception preparation programs prior to the four months of preconception for those couples that require or wish to detoxify or balance a hormonal issue, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), prior to pregnancy. Current statistics show that one in six couples in Australia struggles with fertility issues. Many of these issues can be successfully addressed through natural fertility support.

Our programs include:

Hormone Balancing Program:
This can include correcting an irregular hormone cycle, dealing with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), increasing low progesterone levels to prevent miscarriage, hormone support for couples later in life, and many other fertility issues. We regularly test and correct both male and female hormones that are required for healthy fertility, including correcting PCOS issues such as amenorrhea and anovulation, and low sperm counts.

Detoxification Program:
Detoxification must be completed before the four month preconception period, as we do not want toxins being released or mobilised through the system whilst producing sperm and ovum. Detoxification decreases oxidative stress and toxicity, which can impair sperm and ovum health, interfere with hormone signaling and reduce healthy mitochondrial. Your detoxification program will be tailored to your individual needs, and will usually last 4 – 6 weeks.

Stress Reduction Program:
Stress not only interferes with our daily happiness, but also affects our hormones, fertility, implantation, and even your developing baby whilst you are pregnant. Some people are more susceptible to feelings of stress, anxiety or depression than others, and we believe it is important to ensure optimal well being prior to pregnancy. A stress reduction program usually includes testing and correcting our stress-coping hormones, and introducing stress coping techniques for your long-term health and well being.

Weight Management Program:
Weight management is an important aspect for both men and women, as obesity compromises fertility and for women, also increases the risk of complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and miscarriage. Our carbohydrate-controlled weight management program is an excellent approach for those with insulin resistance to support fertility, a healthy pregnancy and a healthy and happy baby.

We would love to be able to assist you and your partner with preconception and natural fertility, contact us today for more information or to make an appointment.