Periconception is defined as a 5-6 month period. That is, approximately 15-16 weeks prior to conception – up to about week 10 of gestation. This period captures oocyte and sperm growth, fertilization, implantation, early fetal growth, and includes placenta formation and organ development.
The periconception environment is critically important for an infant’s developmental process. The idea of fetal programming, whereby the intrauterine environment is understood to have a profound impact on one’s entire lifetime health, is known as the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHAD). Much research has linked later-life disease back to the womb, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders/diabetes and mental illnesses. Yet, these may be the tip of the iceberg as we begin to learn more about the implications of genomics and epigenetics.
The pre-conception journey can be an exciting time, and it can also be a little daunting. Megan has a particular love for individualising treatment plans with the view of increasing the chances of a healthy baby.
This may be stand-alone naturopathic care to maximise best parental health, improve pregnancy chances, experience a smoother pregnancy and optimise foetal health for baby’s brain and organ development. Or, maybe sub-fertility and infertility is a factor for concern and an integrative naturopathic approach is required to help resolve underlying pathological disorder with the wider health team.
Healthy changes and naturopathic philosophies lend themselves well in creating specialised pre-conception protocols and there is an array of strategies that can be implemented. Our work here can be supportive to concurrent IVF processes; either during continuous IVF cycles or within the breaks in-between. With a post graduate Master in Reproductive Medicine, Megan can confidently collaborate with O&G doctors and Fertility specialists.
Diagnostics may include some of the following as appropriate to your case:
- Blood test results analysis
- Hormone tests
- Detailed dietary assessment
- Nutritional deficiency analysis
- Environmental toxin profile
- Heavy metals
- Genetic testing
- Detailed medical history and family history
By thoughtfully analysing these areas, a plan can be tailored to your specific areas of need. Addressing reproductive disorder/s, boosting nutritional status, improving hormone panels, removing toxins and addressing underlying health conditions – we often see fertility maximised. Specific reproductive factors like uterine lining, patent tubes, regular ovulation as well as quality eggs and sperm are of priority. Recurrent miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities are also considered.
Indirect concerns like adrenal fatigue, stress, thyroid health and digestive function may also be necessary to account for, in view of broader holistic care.
Treatments will be varied and include dietary and lifestyle modifications, nutritional supplements to address deficiencies where necessary and herbal medicines if appropriate. Every prescription is entirely tailor made for an individualised approach to the pre-conception period. Our aim is to see you conceive and maintain a viable pregnancy and meet a healthy baby.
