Learning and understanding when to seek care for conception health can be a grey area for women. Naturopathic Doctors focus on identifying potential physical, emotional and environmental risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes early in order to optimizing health outcomes for mom and baby. Through education and counseling, Naturopathic Doctors help you get to know your body and prepare it so that when the time comes, you can optimize your chances of conceiving naturally.
(1) Are you thinking about conceiving within the next year?
If you and your partner are ready to conceive in the near future it is important to make sure that your body is ready to support itself and baby. Cleansing your body allows for restoration of health and preparation for conception. Look to remove dietary allergens through IgG Testing or an Elimination Diet to reduce inflammation in the body that could negatively impact fertility. Manage your stress. Not all stress can be avoided, however focus on eliminating the stressors in your life that you can. By doing this, you will create space in your life for you to have fun and relax. Implementing these early will give your body to have the time and support it needs for healthy conception.
(2) Have you discontinued oral contraception?
When discontinuing any oral contraceptive pill (OCP), many nutritional deficiencies are often seen. This is a result of long-term use of the OCP. Deficiencies of these vitamins and minerals can lead to fertility issues, among many others. A Prenatal Vitamin is advised for women who are looking to conceive as they contain a number of vitamin and minerals that are protective against birth defects. Naturopathic Doctors recommend taking a Prenatal Vitamin a minimum of 6 months before trying to conceive. Additional testing and supplementation may be required for women to re-fill their levels.
(3) Do you have irregular or absent periods?
Absent or irregular periods can be due to a number of different factors. Naturopathic Doctors offer support to promote healthy monthly menstrual cycles. They have numerous tools in their toolbox that they can access, including herbal medicine and acupuncture, to assist your body in supporting a natural menstrual cycle. Work with a Naturopathic Doctor to regulate your menstrual cycle and enhance your chance of conceiving naturally.
(4) Do you have a known reproductive issue?
There are different endocrine disorders that can affect ones chances of conceiving. A diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Endometriosis, Premature Ovarian Failure, to name a few, may lead to troubles conceiving. This is often a result of hormonal imbalances or deficiencies, along with a dysregulation in the immune system. Naturopathic Doctors can provide treatment to optimize the body’s ability to process hormones, as well as support the immune system. Dependent on the condition, implementation of dietary and lifestyle approaches are done to best support the individual.
(5) Do you have a thyroid condition?
Thyroid Disorders are one of the most common conditions affecting pregnancy. Both an under-functioning or over-functioning thyroid can impact fertility. Naturopathic Doctors can request more extensive thyroid lab tests, which may not be done by your family doctor. The thyroid panel investigates TSH, T3, T4, and anti-TPO levels, which gives more information about thyroid health. It is recommended women have their thyroid assessed 6 months prior to conceiving.
Seek the care that you need! Naturopathic doctors work in collaboration with your health practitioner to improve maternal and fetal outcomes by offering preconception care when you need it.