I am sure that there is no more important subject (one that is rarely considered) than preparing your body for pregnancy, prior to conceiving. This has significant implications on the future health of our child, who will take whatever it needs while in utero from the mother, but also has long-term implications on the mother’s health. It could be viewed in a similar way to preparing to run a marathon. This is called “Preconception Care” and optimising health and well being prior to conception to minimise adverse reproduction issues such as infertility, miscarriages and complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, ectopic pregnancy, placental disruption and premature placental ruptured membranes.

How can I prepare well for conception?

• Working with your GP or Obstetrician is the first stage to give guidance and opportunities for discussion.
• Working with a nutrition and lifestyle specialist to identify strategies and nutrients for improved health. Of particular interest discuss your current levels of a-lipoic acid, Coenzyme Q10, Arginine, Carnitine, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin C, Selenium, Calcium, Iron, Zinc and Essential fatty acids.
• Limit or avoid all drugs, alcohol, smoking.
• Address weight issues such as overweight or underweight.
• Diagnose and take action against any nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
• Address Stressors in your life now and plan for any potential stressors in your life that may be caused through having a child e.g. Work hours, financial considerations.
• Environmental toxins within your home, as these can impact negatively on endocrine hormonal function
• Optimising nutritional consumption.
• Physical activity/exercise should be maintained at a safe level, and activities such as excess bike riding should be limited due to potential for pubic symphysis or ischial bone nerve damage.
• Supplementation of a good quality Folic acid, at least one month in advance and during pregnancy, is advised for protection against neural tube defects.
• Iodine supplementation, of 150mcg daily, is also recommended by the NHMRC prior, during and while breastfeeding.
• Zinc supplementation in males will enhance sperm quality and concentrations.
• Optimise hydration, reduce refined sugars, limit coffee and tea, avoid highly processed foods and highly heated oils.
• Increase high fibre plant-based foods, particularly green leafy foods, for nourishment, but also to limit constipation.

GR8 Health has a range of vitamins and supplements to provide care during preconception, but we also always recommend that individuals follow our 8 principles of better health to have one’s body in optimum position for pregnancy. Visit our blog on the 8 principles to better health.  Visit our categories prenatal vitamins and pregnancy for our range of recommended supplements.