Preconception Health:
Preparing Your Body for a Healthy Pregnancy
Before trying to conceive, there are important steps you can take to optimize your health for a successful pregnancy. Preconception health involves improving your overall health, managing any existing conditions, and ensuring your body is in the best possible state to support a growing baby.
What is Preconception Health?
Preconception health is the health and wellness of both partners before conception. It’s about getting your body in the best shape to support a healthy pregnancy and baby. Ensuring proper nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight, and addressing any health issues beforehand can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce risks for both the mother and baby.
Essential Steps for Preconception Health
1.
Visit Your Doctor for a Preconception Checkup
Before trying to conceive, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider. This checkup will help identify any potential health issues, discuss your medical history, and recommend any necessary vaccinations or lifestyle changes.
2.
Folic Acid Supplementation
Folic acid is a key nutrient for a healthy pregnancy. Start taking a prenatal vitamin that contains 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid at least one month before conception. This can help prevent birth defects, particularly neural tube defects like spina bifida.
3.
Ensure Your Vaccinations Are Up to Date
Certain vaccines, such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox), should be completed before pregnancy. These infections can cause complications during pregnancy, so make sure you’re up-to-date on all necessary immunizations.
4.
Optimize Your
Weight
Being overweight or underweight can affect your fertility. Aim for a healthy body mass index (BMI) before trying to conceive. Consult your doctor to find the weight range that is healthiest for you. Eating a balanced diet and incorporating regular physical activity will help you reach and maintain your ideal weight.
5.
Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Both smoking and excessive alcohol intake can impair fertility and increase the risks of complications during pregnancy. Smoking affects both male and female fertility, and alcohol consumption can affect the development of the baby. If you’re trying to conceive, quit smoking and limit alcohol to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
6.
Manage Stress
Levels
High levels of stress can interfere with ovulation and fertility. Try to incorporate stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your routine. Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health when preparing for pregnancy.
7.
Avoid Environmental Toxins
Exposure to harmful chemicals and environmental toxins can negatively impact fertility. If possible, reduce exposure to things like pesticides, chemicals in household products, and environmental pollutants. Be mindful of the products you use, and aim for cleaner, safer alternatives.
8.
Balance Your
Hormones
Hormonal imbalances, including thyroid issues or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can hinder fertility. If you have a history of hormonal conditions, talk to your doctor to manage your hormone levels effectively before pregnancy. Treating these conditions can improve your chances of conceiving.
Fertility and Preconception Health:
Why It Matters
Fertility doesn’t always depend on age or the ability to conceive naturally—your overall health plays a significant role. By improving your health and addressing any pre-existing conditions, you can set yourself up for success when trying to conceive. In some cases, fertility treatments may be necessary if there are underlying health issues that prevent conception. Starting your journey with optimal health increases your chances of having a smooth and successful pregnancy.
Preconception health isn’t just for women—men’s health plays an equally important role in fertility. Here’s what partners can do to improve their preconception health:
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or underweight can affect sperm count and quality. Maintaining a healthy weight improves sperm production and increases the likelihood of successful conception.
Quit Smoking: Like women, smoking can lower sperm count and motility. Quitting smoking before conception improves sperm quality and increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can affect sperm quality and fertility. Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can boost sperm health.
Exercise Regularly: Exercise can increase testosterone levels and improve sperm count. However, excessive exercise can reduce sperm count, so it’s important to maintain a balanced fitness routine.
Avoid Heat Exposure: Heat can negatively affect sperm production. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot tubs, saunas, or placing laptops directly on your lap, as this can raise the temperature of the testicles and reduce sperm count.
Reduce Stress: Stress has a significant impact on fertility. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation activities can improve fertility for both partners.
Tips for Partners
When to See a Fertility Specialist
If you’ve been preparing for conception for several months and haven’t had success, it might be time to consult a fertility specialist. A specialist can help identify underlying issues and recommend treatments to assist with conception. It’s also a good idea to seek help if you:
Are over the age of 35 and have been trying for six months or more.
Are under the age of 35 and have been trying for over a year without success.
Have a known medical condition affecting fertility, such as PCOS, endometriosis, or male infertility.
Ready to Start Your Fertility Journey?
Begin your journey to parenthood with a personalized preconception health plan. Our fertility specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.