Being conscious about the choices you make when becoming a parent is one of the most compassionate, loving decisions you can do for your unborn child. It is important to be informed about what is meant by healthy fertility and why it is important for both partners to be prepared. Firstly I would like to discuss the importance of recognizing your body’s natural hormonal changes and the significance of preconception care.

Female reproduction is a complex body system and there are many different hormonal changes that occur during a monthly cycle. During menstruation, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is secreted, which stimulates the ovaries to release mature eggs. During the pre-ovulatory phase the ovaries release oestrogen (an important female sex hormone) that expands the cervix to facilitate sperm penetration, promotes mucous changes for safe sperm transportation/access, thickens the womb lining (endometrium) for implantation of the egg and causes secretion of luteinising hormone (LH) responsible for releasing the most developed egg.

The ovulatory phase is when oestrogen and luteinising hormone are at their peak level and is the best time for conception. During this time you may experience increased libido and changes in mucous production. The ovulatory phase lasts for approximately 3 days.

During the post-ovulatory phase progesterone increases giving rise to increased body temperature, reduced cervical mucous, increased thickening of the uterus lining and the ovary stops releasing eggs. If fertilisation occurs progesterone levels will increase, if not the uterine lining will begin to shed causing menstruation. 

Male fertility is dependant on the quality of the sperm, the functional capacity of the reproductive organs and hormones such as testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These two hormones are secreted from the testes and are responsible for increased libido and sperm maturation. Sperm motility, morphology and semen volume are important contributing factors for healthy fertility in males.

Healthy fertility can be altered due to:
• Heavy metal toxicity
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance)
• Stress
• Thyroid problems
• Medical conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome

Naturopathic treatment objectives for preconception care may include:
• Detoxification
• Menstrual charting
• Basal body temperature tests
• Salivary hormone testing/regulation
• Improve nutritional status (dietary & supplementation)
• Stress management
• Specialised treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.

Basic guidelines for healthy fertility:
• Trust your own intuition
• Have realistic expectations

Zinc: (Zinc levels should be tested at the end of each trimester)
• Babies who are zinc deficient are usually jittery and cry inconsolably.
• Zinc deficiency may be linked with postnatal depression
• Required for brain development
• May help reduce stretch marks, perineal tears and cracked nipples.
• Required for foetal growth (muscle and bone growth).
• Increases libido/sexual function
• Best taken in conjunction with Vit. C.

Prenatal Multi-vitamin & mineral supplement:
• Multivitamin, mineral, herbal and homeopathic supplement to assist with general wellbeing and nutritional status.
• Reduces the chance of the child having spina bifida and neural tube defects as it contains folic acid.
• Oxygen transport to tissues

Fish Oil: 
• Promotes normal development and function of brain and eyes.
• Promotes correct nervous system structure
• Has been found to increase the child’s intelligence, prevent behavioural disorders and reduce allergies.

Before commencing any supplement always talk with a health professional to ensure that it is suitable for you.

Reference:
1. Naish, F. (2005) Natural Fertility. Sally Milner Publishing Pty Ltd, Bowral Australia.
Trickey, R. (2003) Women, Hormones & the Menstrual Cycle. Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, Australia