100 Days to Preconception Health

by Dr. Melanie Reidl, N.D.

If you’re wanting to conceive this spring/summer, you’ve got just enough time to focus on your preconception health! Because it takes approximately 100 days to impact egg and sperm quality as they mature, I recommend that both partners begin their ‘trying’ journey by taking 3-4 months to prepare their bodies and minds.

As a women’s health, fertility, and perinatal care-focused ND, my goal is to help you achieve a healthy pregnancy and baby. I struggled with my own fertility and pregnancy issues, so I truly understand the emotional impact as well as the need for a more holistic and integrative approach to preconception healthcare and fertility.

Preconception healthcare can help treat the root cause of fertility issues, can reduce risk of miscarriage or pregnancy complications, and improve fertility treatment outcomes. It can also ensure the best possible start for your baby, as the beginning of a child’s life has been shown to influence his/her health as an adult.

A preconception healthcare approach with me includes the following: lab testing, diet and lifestyle modifications, stress reduction and mindfulness practices, and individualized supplementation protocols.

Lab tests are done to determine thyroid function, hormone levels, nutrient levels such as iron, B12, and vitamin D3, and more depending on my assessment of your current health and health history.

Individualized dietary and lifestyle modifications are essential: they set the foundation for optimal fertility! I help my patients establish a whole foods fertility diet and healthy lifestyle habits such as optimizing sleep and exercise. Stress reduction and mindfulness practices are woven into their plan as stress has a significant impact on fertility.

Finally, individualized supplementation protocols are provided to each of my patients. The supplements I select help to optimize preconception nutritional status, and treat any underlying disorders/imbalances that may impact fertility.

I find it truly amazing how getting diet, lifestyle, stress reduction/mindfulness practices, and supplementation right can make the world of a difference in fertility and pregnancy outcomes. If you or someone you know is beginning their journey, I would be so happy and honoured to help.