As some of you may know, I am recently married and pregnant... So my holistic interest has shifted from metabolic health to fertility and peri-natal health recently!
I spent an entire year prepping my body before my wedding with a functional practitioner, but it turned out that I also was priming my body for fertility as well without my realizing it! I went through several functional lab tests: Hair mineral test, GI-MAP stool test, complete thyroid panel and several protocols: gut pathogen removal (H. pylori) and repopulation, supplements for thyroid reboot, heavy metal and hormone detoxing with coffee enemas, castor oil packs, and dry brushing, focusing on whole food supplementation like beef liver, cod liver, and tons of minerals, etc. which effectively optimized my body's metabolism, ultimately preparing me well for conception.
While I was working with my practitioner, I had the opportunity to complete a module on holistic fertility and it was just so eye opening! I ended up getting the book she recommended during the module and I read it after my husband and I got married.
It was so full of fascinating knowledge and studies I had to share for all the moms to be!
Why Prep for Pregnancy?
Pre-pregnancy health isn't just about getting pregnant – it's about creating an optimal environment for both mom and baby to thrive.
Benefits for Mom:
Reduced Risk of Complications: A healthy body entering pregnancy is better equipped to handle the physical and hormonal changes. This can lead to a lower risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.
Smoother Conception: Addressing potential issues like thyroid imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, or blood sugar control can increase your chances of a smooth conception and a healthy pregnancy.
Improved Postpartum Recovery: By taking care of yourself beforehand, you'll have more physical and emotional resilience to navigate the postpartum period.
Benefits for Baby:
Healthy Development: Proper nutrition and a balanced hormonal environment pre-pregnancy can significantly impact your baby's early development. This includes crucial organ formation and brain development in the first trimester.
Reduced Risk of Birth Defects: Folic acid and other essential nutrients can help prevent birth defects like spina bifida.
A Strong Start: Entering the world with a healthy mom sets the stage for your baby's overall health and well-being.
The Foundation of Fertility
Better control of pre-existing health conditions
Less weight gain during pregnancy
Less likely to have a preterm birth
Less likely to have hypertension
Lower gestational diabetes risk
Lower risk of LGA (large for gestational age)
Lower risk of birth defects
Lower risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IGR)
Improve your odds of a successful pregnancy
Improve the health of your future children
The Impact of Egg Quality on Fertility
Egg quality plays a critical role in the time it takes to become pregnant. Chromosomal abnormalities in eggs significantly impact fertility at every stage of development from fertilization onward. An embryo formed from a chromosomally abnormal egg has a much lower potential for continued development. Unsurprisingly, poor egg quality is significantly more common in women who have had difficulty conceiving.
Chromosomal errors not only affect the ability to conceive but are also a major cause of miscarriage. Miscarriages occur in about 10-15% of recognized pregnancies, but many are unnoticed because they happen early—often before the woman knows she is pregnant. When considering these early losses, the miscarriage rate can rise to as high as 70%. In fact, chromosomal abnormalities account for more miscarriages than all other known causes combined. These abnormalities can be influenced by controllable factors such as nutrients, hormones, and lifestyle.
How Do Eggs Become Chromosomally Abnormal?
The process of egg production is lengthy and error-prone. By the time an egg is ovulated, it can be decades old. Eggs are formed before a woman is born and remain in a state of suspended animation until it is time for them to mature. The most critical maturation phase occurs in the months leading up to ovulation, meaning that optimizing conditions before this period can increase the likelihood of an egg maturing with the correct number of chromosomes.
Optimizing Your Egg Health
Toxin Exposure
Everyday toxins can significantly impact your fertility. Bisphenol A (BPA), found in plastic food containers, canned goods, and even receipts, disrupts hormones and can cause chromosomal abnormalities in eggs. Exposure to BPA has also been linked to diabetes, obesity, and heart disease in both adults and children. Women with higher BPA levels have shown a decrease in both egg quantity and estrogen levels. To minimize BPA exposure, switch to stainless steel or glass containers for food storage and water bottles. Opt for fresh or frozen foods instead of canned, and avoid using plastic wrap in the microwave.
Similarly, phthalates, commonly used in plastics, vinyl, and fragrances, are recognized as reproductive toxins. Studies have shown that high doses of phthalates can halt ovulation in rats and significantly reduce sperm quality in men. You can find safer alternatives by checking resources like EWG.org, fakedirty, or yuka.
Beyond BPA and phthalates, other toxins in our environment can also affect fertility. Flame retardants in furniture, lead in water pipes, PFCs in non-stick cookware, and pesticides on conventionally grown produce can all contribute to fertility issues. Opt for furniture without flame retardants, filter your water, use stainless steel or ceramic cookware, and choose organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible to minimize your exposure to these harmful toxins.
Pre-existing health conditions
Several health conditions can significantly impact your fertility.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to lower pregnancy rates. Studies show a clear correlation between sufficient vitamin D levels (over 30 ng/ml) and increased pregnancy success. However, be cautious with supplementation, as it can raise calcium levels and deplete potassium.
Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, is also a concern. Women with hypothyroidism and positive thyroid antibodies experience a much higher miscarriage rate (over 69% higher). This is because the body struggles to produce the extra hormones needed during pregnancy. Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, can also decrease egg quality and increase miscarriage risk.
Dental health plays a surprising role in fertility. Gum disease, particularly a severe form called periodontitis, significantly increases the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Bacteria from infected gums can travel to the amniotic fluid, triggering an immune response that can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Women with gum disease also take longer to conceive.
Finally, insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, disrupts hormonal balance and impacts egg quality. High blood sugar and insulin levels impair mitochondrial function, which is crucial for proper egg development and chromosome processing. Read more about balancing blood sugar, here.
Addressing these underlying health conditions can significantly improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Labs to consider pre-pregnancy:
GI-MAP stool test
Hair Mineral Analysis Test
Complete thyroid panel
CBC, BMP
RBC Magnesium
Hemoglobin A1C
Ferritin, Iron, TIBC
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Birth control
Oral contraceptives and other hormonal birth control methods can have temporary impacts on fertility after you stop using them. Studies show that women who used birth control pills for extended periods may have lower levels of AMH (a marker of egg quantity) and a thinner uterine lining, both of which can affect conception. Combination pills might even shrink the ovaries.
These effects are usually temporary, and your cycles can take 9 to 18 months to return to normal after stopping the pill. Injectable contraceptives can also delay conception for 8-15 months on average, with a longer delay associated with extended use. There's also a possibility of developing new issues like leaky gut or hypothyroidism after using hormonal birth control, which could further impact fertility. It's important to discuss these potential effects with your doctor if you're considering stopping birth control and trying to conceive.
Gut health
While often asymptomatic, the H. pylori bacteria, affecting half the world's population, can negatively impact fertility. It's linked to ulcers, gastritis, and stomach cancer. Research suggests infected women may have antibodies in their cervical mucus that reduce sperm motility and hinder fertilization.
Additionally, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in estrogen detoxification. When this process is compromised, estrogen dominance can occur. This imbalance is linked to fertility issues, PCOS, endometriosis, and even cancer. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is essential for optimal fertility.
Candida, a yeast naturally present in the vagina, can become problematic if it overgrows. While 70% of women have candida albicans as part of their vaginal flora, specific conditions can trigger an overgrowth. This imbalance can hinder sperm from reaching the uterus, impacting fertility. Maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome is essential for sperm health and successful conception.
For more on supporting your gut health and detoxification check out my previous blog posts: The Microbiome, the Powerhouse of the Body
Minerals
Exposure to heavy metals is a concern for both men and women trying to conceive. These metals can disrupt various aspects of the reproductive system, leading to problems like decreased sperm count, motility, and viability in men. In women, heavy metals can cause hormonal imbalances, prevent follicles from maturing properly (follicular atresia), and delay the maturation of eggs (oocyte maturation). Due to these harmful effects, heavy metals are a significant area of study in reproductive toxicology.
This is where a hair mineral test analysis comes in handy to target mineral loss and detox specific heavy metals that you may have.
Stress
Oxidative stress, a cellular imbalance caused by free radicals, can significantly impact sperm quality. To combat this, consider filtering your drinking water and minimizing exposure to EMFs, plastics, and heavy metals. Additionally, limit alcohol consumption and support your body with antioxidants like CoQ10, magnesium, and beef liver. Addressing gut health through diet and probiotics can also be beneficial. Finally, reducing stress and switching to low-toxicity personal care products can further help create a healthier environment for sperm production. You can do this by:
Supporting your nervous system (rest and digest)
Red light therapy
Sun light
Acupuncture
Conclusion
Taking care of yourself before pregnancy isn't just about preparing your body – it's about creating the optimal environment for a healthy baby. By focusing on essential nutrients, managing stress, and optimizing your overall health, you're giving your future child the best possible chance to thrive.
We know the journey to conception can be filled with questions and uncertainties. But remember, you're not alone! There are many resources available to support you, and even small changes to your diet and lifestyle can make a big difference. Whether you're actively trying to conceive or simply considering the possibility of growing your family, prioritizing your well-being now empowers you on this exciting path.
Here's to a healthy and joyful fertility journey!
References
Fett, R. (2023). It starts with the egg: The science of egg quality for fertility, miscarriage, and IVF. Franklin Fox Publishing LLC.
Powell, M. (2023). Pregnancy Prep & Fertility Workshop.
Wolynn, M. (2022). It didn’t start with you: How inherited family trauma shapes who we are and how to end the cycle. Vermilion.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement regimen.
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