What to do NOW if you are planning on trying for a baby in the next 1-2 years (A Nutritional Therapists Guide)
Many of my fertility clients come to me after a few frustrating cycles of trying to conceive (TTC). If you're considering starting a family in the next 1-2 years, there are some proactive steps you can take now to lay solid foundations for when you are ready. Here's a guide to help you prepare for this incredible chapter:
The Pill:
If you've been on oral contraceptives, consider coming off the pill at least six months before you plan to start trying for a baby. This allows your body the time it needs to regulate your menstrual cycle and will enable you to identify any underlying issues that might need attention. If you end up with irregular periods or no signs of ovulation, it’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to address these.
Cycle tracking:
Many of us will have been casually using a tracking app for years. Now is the time for you to pay close attention to details. Start looking for signs of ovulation, such as Egg White Cervical Mucus (EWCM) temperature fluctuations and ovulation pains. These subtle signs can provide crucial insights into your ovulation patterns, increasing your chances of conceiving. Knowing your body intimately is empowering, and you will be glad to have months of solid data to lean on when you are ready. Many apps like Flow, Clue and Natural Cycles help you do this.
Invest in Hormone Testing:
Consider undergoing a comprehensive hormone test, such as the DUTCH test, in advance of trying to conceive. This valuable data on your hormones can identify any imbalances that might be present. Addressing hormonal issues before embarking on your fertility journey allows you the time to make positive lifestyle changes and potentially enhance your fertility. You can read more about the DUCTH test HERE.
Prioritise Stress Management:
Learning to manage stress is one of the most valuable things we can do for our health, especially when it comes to fertility. Find something that resonates with you and can stick to when things get stressful! If you dislike yoga and can’t sit through a meditation, then find an alternative. A long walk, cooking for friends, swimming. This is also an excellent opportunity to invest in local practitioners who work with stress, like acupuncture, massage therapy, and reflexology.
Address Bad Habits Now:
You can use this time to address any habits you want to change. If you're struggling with social smoking, now is the time to kick the habit. If you are on three oat flat whites daily, give yourself plenty of time to gently reduce these, so you don’t have to go cold turkey. Clients have also focussed on nervous nail biting, no phones in the bedroom, taking on too many additional tasks at work, and reducing takeaways/shop-bought food during this time. These might seem small and even a bit silly, but if a habit is bothering you and you would like to change it, now is the time!
Supplements:
Did you know that although females are born with all of their eggs, they don’t mature until the 3-4 months before ovulation? This means that during this time, you can influence the quality of the eggs. Six months before TTC, start a fertility complex which includes folate alongside an omega 3 with a high DHA to EPA ratio.
Brands I like include:
Wild Nutrition
Viridian
TerraNova
Bare Biology Mums and Bumps
Don’t forget the sperm!
It’s not all on you, girls; if you have a male partner, now is the time for him to get into healthy routines and address any underlying health issues (yes, even if they seem unrelated to his sperm!) Wild Nutrition and Viridian also have great supplements for male fertility.
Taking proactive steps now can significantly contribute to a smoother and healthier conception journey when the time comes. If you'd like to know more, book a FREE, no-obligation 30-minute consultation with me HERE.
You can also use MOLLY10 for 10% off all supplements at https://therapyorganics.co.uk.