What to focus on when trying to conceive.

Are you wanting to try for a baby soon? Here’s somethings you may like to do before trying to conceive. If possible, I’d recommend beginning this prep 12 months prior to conceiving. However, if you want to start sooner than that, then the sooner you begin working through this list, the better.

1. Get a blood test done.

This is your starting point! Getting a blood test done to check things like hormones, nutrient status and your overall health and wellness will help determine what you need to focus on over the next 12 months or so. If your hormones are out of whack, you can turn your attention to bringing them back into balance. If you find you are depleted in things like vitamin d or iron, you can focus on correcting these levels. You want to head into pregnancy with adequate nutrient stores and healthy, happy hormones. Work with a healthcare practitioner to get this done and have them guide you on a tailored plan for your individual needs.

2. Start a supplement regime. Depending on what your blood test results show, will depend on what exactly this regime looks like. I like to suggest consuming a good quality prenatal supplement during the prep phase of your journey to ensure you are covering your basis and giving your baby the best possible nutrients from day one of conception. Again, work with a qualified practitioner to create a suitable supplement regime for you. You want to make sure you are taking a good quality supplement. If you are needing to treat any deficiencies, then you will need to ensure you are dosing correctly with the right forms of nutrients. A qualified nutritionist will be able to guide you on this. A supplement regime should complement a balanced diet and not replace diet. Supplements are used to fill the gaps within your diet rather than being solely responsible for your nutrient intake.

3. Eat a balanced diet. Eating a balanced diet will help ensure you are fuelling your body, hormones and energy levels effectively. Eating a nourishing, well balanced diet has endless benefits to the body. Consuming a good amount of calories in the forms of protein, fats and carbohydrates is paramount to fertility. As is eating a wide variety of different nutrients through various forms of fruit and vegetables for example. Many people underestimate the power of good nutrition and how it can support our fertility goals.  

4. Address your stress levels. Stress wreaks havoc on the body. When our stress hormones are high, we have less chance of falling pregnant. Look to reduce stress levels by eating regular balanced meals throughout the day, reducing caffeine levels and by ensuring you have good quality sleep each night. Things like meditation, journaling, walking outside in fresh air and sunshine also helps to reduce stress.

5. Look after your gut. A lot of our hormones are made in the gut. A lot of research now supports a link between gut health and fertility. We really do need to have a fertile gut to enhance our chances of conceiving. Consider adding more fibre to your diet, probiotic rich foods and if well tolerated, fermented foods. Reducing refined sugar, processed foods, alcohol and excessive amounts of caffeine will also help to improve our gut health.