Preconception Care

The preconception period is recognised as being very important to the health of a future baby.

Sperm formation can take up to 116 days, and ova are susceptible to damage for about 100 days before ovulation. It is recommended that both partners undertake a preconception program for a minimum period of four months immediately preceding any attempt to conceive.

Preconception health care can improve fertility in both men & women and help to increase the likelihood of: a normal, healthy full-term pregnancy (chances of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth is minimised); a natural un-medicated birth; successful breastfeeding; and, a happy, healthy baby as well as minimising the incidence of birth defects and postnatal depression.

Preconception care may involve:  

•monitoring basal body temperature and cervical mucus to pinpoint ovulation

•blood tests, semen analysis and other medical pathology tests which are used to personalise individual treatment programs  

•screening for essential trace elements (eg zinc & iron) and for toxic metals (eg lead & mercury)    

•avoiding everyday environmental hazards  

•avoiding common social poisons (eg cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine)  

•exercising regularly, reducing stress, thinking positively  

•using naturopathic medicine to treat reproductive and fertility problems in both prospective parents  

•detoxifying  

•treating food and chemical allergies  

•treating infection, especially urino-gential problems