How to Prepare for Pregnancy: 5 Natural Remedies for Preconception Planning
You’re trying to conceive, but you’re worried about your pre-conceptual health—are you taking the right precautions?
What are the right precautions?
When it comes to preparing for pregnancy, there are so many moving parts that it often feels impossible to completely manage or understand the checklist in front of you.
But making sure your body is in optimal condition can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
The question is…
What do you need to do?
In this blog post, we'll guide you through five natural methods to boost your preconception health.
Let’s get started.
What Does “Pre-Conceptual Health” Mean When You’re Trying to Conceive?
Pre-conceptual health refers to the state of your overall well-being and reproductive health before conception occurs. It involves preparing your body, both physically and mentally, to support a healthy pregnancy and increase your chances of successful conception.
If you focus on enhancing your pre-conceptual health, you're creating an ideal environment for conception to take place and for a healthy pregnancy to thrive.
In other words, you're optimizing your body's reproductive functions and ensuring that your reproductive organs are in optimal condition.
This can improve the quality of your eggs and sperm, enhance your fertility, and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.
But it's not just about physical health. Pre-conceptual health also encompasses your mental and emotional well-being.
Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for pregnancy can help reduce stress levels, create a positive mindset, and foster a supportive environment for your future family.
How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy: 5 Natural Methods to Boost Pre-Conceptual Health
1. Best Foods for Pre-Pregnancy
Your diet plays a vital role in pre-conceptual health. Nourishing your body with the right foods can provide it with the necessary building blocks for reproductive health. So, which foods should you focus on?
Here are seven foods for pre-pregnancy:
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and calcium. These nutrients can contribute to your ovulation and support the development of a healthy embryo.
Colorful Fruits: Fruits like berries, citrus fruits, and pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the eggs and sperm from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, they provide important vitamins and fiber that promote overall reproductive health.
Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats instead of refined grains. These grains are high in fiber and B vitamins, which can help regulate hormone levels and improve fertility.
Lean Proteins: Include lean protein sources such as poultry, fish, tofu, and beans in your diet. Protein is essential for the production of hormones and can support the development of a healthy reproductive system.
Healthy Fats: Don't shy away from healthy fats found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats help regulate hormone production and improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins crucial for fertility.
Dairy or Dairy Alternatives: Calcium is crucial for reproductive health, and dairy products or calcium-fortified alternatives like almond milk can provide this essential nutrient.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Incorporate fatty fish like salmon, and mackerel, or take omega-3 supplements. These fatty acids support hormone production and reduce inflammation, promoting optimal reproductive function.
2. Best Herbs + Supplements for Pre-Pregnancy:
Alongside a balanced diet, certain herbs and supplements have been known to support reproductive health and fertility.
While it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, here are some supplements that are often recommended:
Folate: Folate, also known as folic acid, is crucial for the development of a healthy baby. It helps prevent neural tube defects and supports early fetal development. Consider a supplement that provides folate in its bioidentical, bioactive form known as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5MTHF) for better absorption and utilization by the body.
Iron: Iron is essential for carrying oxygen throughout your body. Adequate iron levels can promote healthy ovulation and support a healthy pregnancy.
Vitamin D: Adequate vitamin D levels have been linked to improved fertility. Spending time outdoors and incorporating vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products can be beneficial.
Maca Root: Maca is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries to support hormonal balance and enhance fertility. It can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve overall reproductive function.
3. Acupuncture
Acupuncture has become popular as a complementary therapy for boosting fertility in recent years.
This holistic approach involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy(QI) and restore balance within the body.
Numerous studies indicate that acupuncture may offer several benefits for fertility:
Improve blood circulation to the reproductive organs, helping to create a more optimal environment for conception.
Regulate hormone levels.
Reduce stress and anxiety.
The calming and relaxing nature of the treatment may help individuals manage the emotional challenges often experienced during the pre-conception journey. By alleviating stress, acupuncture can potentially enhance fertility outcomes.
While the precise mechanisms behind acupuncture's effects on fertility are not yet fully understood, many individuals find it to be a valuable and supportive addition to their pre-conception preparations.
It is important to note that acupuncture should be practiced under the guidance of a trained and licensed acupuncturist.
They will be able to assess your specific needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.
So, if you are considering acupuncture as part of your pre-pregnancy preparations, consult with a qualified professional to explore how it can best support your journey toward conception.
4. CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in every cell of the body. It plays a vital role in energy production and acts as a shield, protecting our cells from oxidative damage.
When it comes to fertility, CoQ10 has shown great promise in enhancing egg quality and supporting ovarian function.
As women age, the levels of CoQ10 in their eggs gradually decline. This can impact your fertility.
Using CoQ10 as a supplement can replenish diminished levels and promote the overall health of the eggs.
However, you should take CoQ10 several months before attempting to conceive.
This time frame allows for an adequate period for your eggs to benefit from the effects of CoQ10.
By starting the supplementation in advance, you are giving your body sufficient time to maximize the advantages offered by this powerful antioxidant.
To optimize your chances of conceiving, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who can guide you on the appropriate dosage and duration for CoQ10 supplementation.
If you incorporate CoQ10 into your pre-pregnancy routine, you can take proactive steps to support your fertility and promote the health of your eggs.
5. Ultimate Prenatal by Magnolia Wellness
One notable option is our Ultimate Prenatal.
This prenatal multivitamin is specifically crafted to cater to the needs of pregnant women, lactating women, and women that are actively trying to conceive.
What makes the Ultimate Prenatal stand out is its use of folate in the bioidentical and bioactive form called L-5MTHF.
It is highly preferred over synthetic folic acid. By providing this bioavailable folate, our Ultimate Prenatal ensures that you receive the maximum benefit and support for your reproductive health.
Our prenatal supplement also contains an array of minerals that excel in absorption compared to standard prenatal vitamins. These minerals are thoughtfully included to provide support for your overall well-being during this critical phase of your journey.
We understand that every individual's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
That's why we emphasize the importance of listening to your body and consulting with healthcare professionals.
If you do so, you can make informed choices that align with your individual needs and preferences.
When it comes to preparing your body for pregnancy, the Ultimate Prenatal by Magnolia Wellness offers a solution that prioritizes your health and fertility.
Remember: the path to parenthood is a personal one. Make choices that resonate with you and embrace the guidance of healthcare experts.
Take Care of Your Pre-Conceptual Health With These Natural Remedies
The methods we've discussed are scientifically backed and have shown promising results in boosting fertility.
The right foods, herbs, supplements, acupuncture, and CoQ10 supplementation all work together to optimize your reproductive health, enhance egg quality, support ovarian function, and promote overall hormonal balance.
Incorporating these natural remedies into your pre-pregnancy routine can give you a headstart towards parenthood.
If you're ready to take a proactive approach to your pre-pregnancy preparations, try our fertility kit. It can provide you with further guidance and resources to ensure your overall health and fertility are optimized.
Don't underestimate the importance of pre-conceptual health in achieving a healthy pregnancy.
By embracing these natural remedies and taking control of your well-being, you're laying a strong foundation for the exciting chapter of parenthood.
One of the best ways to prepare for pregnancy is to measure where your body’s at. Do you know if your body is ready to have a baby? Find out now with our fertility quiz.
