When a family is beginning to think about preconception, there are a few important considerations that should be made. Both mom and dad’s DNA come together to produce a baby, and it’s imperative that they both are as healthy as possible. The baby’s genes will be formed by this DNA (both good and bad) and it can have lasting effects on the child, not just as a newborn. 

It takes about 3-4 months for a mother’s egg to mature and about 75-90 days for sperm to generate. This means that we should be working on that health well before we actually get pregnant. Giving yourself at least three full months to build a healthy foundation (if you don’t have one yet) can make a difference in the overall health of your child and lead to a better pregnancy. 

Most women (and I would argue men) live depleted. Having a firm nutrition base is the first step. The quality of an egg can be determined by your B6, folate, B12, magnesium, and selenium levels (just to name a few). Similarly, healthy sperm needs zinc, selenium, vitamin D, and Omega-3’s to get the job done. For women, getting over 1600 calories and 80-100 grams of protein a day is non-negotiable.  I recommend starting the Essential Prenatal during this foundational phase of preconception. Adding the egg support for mom and the sperm support for dad would be even better. Needed supplements can be found here and use my code: JOURNEYSOUTHWARD to save 20%.

Are the detox pathways of both mom and dad open? Do you sweat regularly and poop every day or are toxins just building up inside? Giving your livers some extra love during this three-month season can really support your overall health, in addition to your chances of conception. Regular resistance training, castor oil packs, and consistent movement (like walking) can be great additions. And don’t forget to limit your exposure to toxins where you can, but especially in preconception.

Managing your stress levels and getting consistent sleep is something that every family should work on. If anyone is constantly stressed or not sleeping, your body won’t be healthy enough to produce a quality egg or enough sperm, let alone grow into a healthy pregnancy if conception does happen. Small changes in your sleep hygiene practices (like no screens an hour before going to bed or an hour after waking up, wearing socks to sleep, and giving yourself a constant bedtime) can make big improvements. Finding downtime, breathwork, prayer and meditation, and talk therapy are all great ways to help manage your stress. 

Finally, paying attention to what your cycle is telling you, can be a major clue into what your overall health looks like. Your cycle should be between 24-34 days long with bleeding lasting 4-6 days. You should have no breakthrough bleeding, minimal cramping, limited symptoms leading up to your bleeding, and it should be dependable, like a faithful friend. If you are experiencing something outside of this norm, it could mean your hormones aren’t getting the support they need. 

Building the foundation before your eggs and sperm are released into the wild can provide a better opportunity to create an embryo, an easier pregnancy, and a healthier baby. And when you do make a baby, you know where to find me.