Boost your fertility

To get pregnant there are some crucial factors that need to be aligned. Your internal environment needs to be right so that an egg can fertilise, implant and grow into a healthy baby. For many of us, getting the right environment can take some time. The best time to boost your fertility is before you start trying to get pregnant.

While you can’t control every factor of your fertility, there are things you can do to increase your odds.

Reduce your toxic load

Environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, environmental oestrogen, and volatile organic solvents are found everywhere. They are present in food, household cleaning and beauty products and occupational materials. These toxins are linked with sub-fertility or infertility in both women and men so it’s important to reduce our exposure as much as possible. There are disturbing studies that confirm that many babies in the 21^st century are already born with an overwhelming toxic burden from industrial chemicals that can impact their long-term health.

The good news is that there are things that you can do to reduce exposure to toxins:

- Eat fresh, organic food where access and budget allows – some foods are sprayed more than others – check out the top 12 commonly contaminated foods to see what you need to make sure is organic. When choosing organic food in your supermarket, look for certification from either AsureQuality or BioGro
- Use natural cleaning products like ecostore or Earthwise – they are readily available at your local supermarket and the extra $2 you spend is well worth it
- Use certified organic cosmetic and beauty products as those that aren’t are packed full of harmful chemicals. Don’t be fooled by clever marketing using “green” packaging or the words “natural” or “organic” – again, look for certification from the likes of Biogro (in NZ)
- Take natural supplements that are abundant in antioxidants (minimise the damage from free radicals) and support the liver and kidneys in their detoxification work

Get healthy

Now is the time make some changes to ensure you are living a really healthy lifestyle.

- Eat wholesome, nutritious fresh food, limiting processed foods. Eat fertility-friendly food rich in specific nutrients needed for hormonal function and balance, egg and sperm health and that provides the building blocks for pregnancy
- Get fit with regular, moderate exercise – but not too vigorous as studies suggest too much is not a good thing and can affect fertility. Walking and yoga are both great forms of moderate exercise and something you can continue into your pregnancy
- Manage your weight as being under or over weight can impede ovulation as well as cause complications in pregnancy, particular during labour

Preconception supplements

Use plant medicine to help create a fertile reproductive environment. Herbs like Chaste Tree berries, Licorice root and Raspberry leaf are widely used to boost fertility as they support ovulation, balance hormones and promote endometrium health. Our Fertility Tea is a traditional plant medicine formula. It's specially formulated to support an environment conducive to reproduction. Take this tea every day in the four months leading up to when you start trying for a baby.

Take pre-natal vitamins like folic acid, calcium and iron to start building up nutrients that are necessary to build a healthy embryo. Folic acid is recommended to help reduce the risk of birth defects like spina bifida.

Reduce stress

Stress directly affects the endocrine system and this needs to function properly in order to balance the vital hormones required for conception. When we are constantly stressed our adrenals are busy producing adrenalin and cortisol, our stress hormones, instead of the hormones needed to get pregnant. If you have a stressful job, relationship or feel low or depressed, address it with your partner, friends or a professional. Stress management can make a big difference to your chances of getting pregnant.

Seek professional help and support

Have a check up with your GP and discuss any pre-existing conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Endometriosis. Both of these health issues can interfere, and sometimes inhibit, fertility so it is important to address these as early as possible. Natural medicine is particularly helpful with such women’s health problems. Try the PMT Ease Tea – we have seen great results (including babies) from women who regularly took this to overcome fertility issues caused by PCOS and Endometriosis. It would also be beneficial to seek support from a natural health professional so you can learn how Mother Nature can work for you too!

Avoid drugs

This may seem obvious but it includes both non-essential pharmaceutical drugs and the recreational kind. Other issues are alcohol and smoking, which cause chromosome abnormalities in the egg and sperm and greatly increase difficulties with conception and the risk of miscarriage. Regular intake of caffeine in coffee and black tea can also be problematic. These beverages can be safely replaced with a natural substitute like Green Tea.

Healthy sperm

It’s important for sperm to be healthy too! Sperm is susceptible to heat and testicles should be kept cool. It is better to wear boxer shorts than tight briefs and hot baths or electric blankets are best avoided until pregnancy is confirmed. Cell phones should be kept away from trouser pockets due to their proximity to the testes. The same as with women, being under or over weight can affect sperm production. Here are some tips to improve the quality of sperm.

As you can see there are lots of small and inexpensive changes that you can make to increase your chances of getting pregnant. The key is to being educated on the different problems that can cause fertility problems and address them as early as possible. Listen to your body and gut feeling – if something doesn’t seem right or if you have specific questions, seek professional help – either your GP or a natural health professional.

Good luck with your journey of getting pregnant!