Are you looking for a preconception care to assist your fertility and improving your health during pregnancy?

Have you been trying to conceive that little bundle of joy?

Fall pregnant naturally by increasing your fertility With 1 in 6 couple experiencing troubles falling pregnant, you have to wonder why?
If you are having trouble conceiving there are a few things you should be aware of that can have a significant impact on your chances of getting pregnant.
Pregnancy can be a complex topic as there are so many different factors that contribute to difficulty in falling pregnant, the development of the foetus as well as reasons for miscarriage.

So what are some of the factors to consider in natural fertility?

Adrenal health and fertility 
Hormonal balance is essential for fertility and one of the things that determines whether your hormones are balanced or a complete mess, is your adrenals. When you are constantly stressed, your adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenalin for a prolonged amount of time which inhibits the release of progesterone and increases prolactin. There needs to be a healthy ratio of high progesterone and low prolactin for optimal fertility and stress can turn this ratio around the wrong way! Progesterone is needed for a healthy uterine lining to nurture the egg, as well as maintaining healthy mucous which the sperm needs for fertilisation.
High prolactin can reduce fertility
Prolactin should remain low in a woman until she is pregnant, when it will then increase significantly. If her prolactin is not low this will cause her problems getting pregnant as it will decrease her progesterone levels. If this is the case she may have a luteal phase defeat, meaning the lining of the womb cannot sustain a pregnancy, causing miscarriage.
The Thyroid regulates hormones 
Hypothyroidism is becoming an increasingly common problem among women, most likely due to iodine and other mineral deficiencies which are needed to produce thyroid hormone. In the first trimester of pregnancy the baby is dependant on thyroid hormone from the mother for brain and nervous system development. During pregnancy the mother needs to make a lot more thyroid hormone to share with her baby. Many women are struggling to produce enough thyroid hormone for themselves, let alone to share.
MTHFR mutation may increase miscarriage risk 
There is a link between an mthfr gene mutation and recurrent miscarriages as well as low birth weight and premature births. This gene is needed for detoxification, hormone production and immune system function, just to name a few. MTHFR mutation impairs the utilization of folic acid which is vital for the babies development and to prevent miscarriage. With the combination of low folic acid and compromised detoxification, the person is more prone to health problems including inflammation, infertility, blood clots and fibromyalgia. It sounds scary but the good news it is very treatable and Integrated wellness clinic’s Naturopath Suzi Le Fanue has a special interest in genetic health, particularly MTHFR mutations.
Nutrition is fundamental to natural fertility 
If you are trying to conceive, the number one thing you should consider is you and your partner’s overall health as well as lifestyle.
There are certain nutrients that are essential for fertility and a healthy, problem free pregnancy. The best way to make sure you are getting all of these essential nutrients is to eat a diet with a range of unprocessed food and this applies to both the man and the woman! This means cutting down on processed meats, sugar, refined carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners and preservatives, and increase fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes and fresh fish.
Nutrients for the female 
Before you try for a baby it is recommended you get a full blood count test to check for any deficiencies.
Iron, in particular is a common deficiency in women and is so crucial for a healthy developing foetus. Folate is another important vitamin that is needed to prevent birth defects and miscarriage and Calcium and Vitamin D are both responsible for the development of strong bones and nervous system.
Nutrients for the male
Some important nutrients for sperm health include zinc, vitamin C and vitamin E. Zinc prevents prostate cancer and improves sperm health and many men don’t gain enough from their diet. Vitamin C and E are antioxidants meaning they have protective effects from toxins as well as increasing sperm health and motility. This is very important as toxins and chemicals in everyday products such as deodorants and cleaners have been said to be a big contributor to the fall in male fertility.
The waiting game
After you are given a prescription to treat the cause of your fertility problems, your Naturopath may want you to wait a minimum of 3 months before trying to conceive. This is because even though sperm are being produced constantly by the male, they are initially weak and actually take at least 3 months to mature properly. This also means that if the man has been smoking, drinking or has had a bad diet or lifestyle in the past 2 months his sperm can be affected.
“Before we were conceived, we existed in part as an egg in our mother’s ovary. All the eggs a woman will ever carry form in her ovaries while she is a four-month-old fetus in the womb of her mother. This means our cellular life as an egg begins in the womb of our grandmother. Each of us spent five months in our grandmother’s womb and she in turn formed within the womb of her grandmother.” – Layne Redmond
There are so so many different ways to treat fertility problems and this is where you may want to leave it to someone else to do the hard thinking. Your Naturopath would endure to implement to the latest evidence based naturopathic approach. Your Naturopath can assess you and your partner’s history and prescribe according to your needs. As well as being so many different supplements, there are so many different herbs that can also help with hormone balancing, stress relief, thyroid and overall fertility health for either preparation of pregnancy.
Book your FREE Assessment Consultation with one of our Naturopaths today to discover the missing pieces to your puzzle. We are trained to work alongside your IVF Specialist, referring allied health Practitioner or General Practitioner. Book online or phone 5458 4800.

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