I work with clients wanting to fall pregnant every single day. Not only are they wanting to achieve a healthy pregnancy, but they are always (and understandably) wanting it to happen fast and obviously to be a successful one!
Did you know it takes approximately 90 days for an egg to mature before ovulation?
This is an ideal time to get your health in check, your nutrients optimised, and get your body ready to grow a healthy baby!
You want to start a preconception regime a minimum of three months before you plan on conceiving, or even longer if you have any prior health conditions or hormonal imbalances (such as PCOS, or endometriosis).
So what supplements do I, as a naturopath, recommend for people wanting to fall pregnant? Well firstly, we always check in on pathology to confirm areas that need some extra TLC. We then prescribe supplements as a personalised, preconception treatment plan. Below are three common supplements we often recommend:
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
- Ubiquinol
- Essential fatty acids
First up is N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
NAC is an amino acid that is also a potent antioxidant. It is an important factor in egg quality and maturation (and is particularly important for women over the age of 40 trying to conceive).
Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of NAC’s success for fertility in different ways. One particular study showed its benefits in improving ovulation and pregnancy rates in PCOS patients and women with unexplained infertility. It does this by reducing oxidative stress that damages and kills reproductive cells. NAC is also known to lower insulin, balance out certain hormones in women with PCOS, and helps support healthy ovulation by regulating your menstrual cycle. It also helps to thin your cervical mucus to help sperm pass through and fertilise the egg (Skoracka et al 2021).
Two other amazing areas that NAC can support women in the clinic are those with endometriosis and recurrent miscarriage (McDonald, 2021 P.65). NAC is something we will commonly use at my clinic, Mungbean Health, in our personalised compounds for clients that are trying to conceive (the dosages depending on the client).
Second is ubiquinol – the active form of coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a naturally occurring enzyme that gives our cells energy (think of it like a power pack). It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the body against harmful free radicals. It is widely used as a part of preconception treatment with IVF because it can help boost fertility in women and men. For someone going through IVF, CoQ10 is the perfect addition because it has been shown to improve egg quality, and can also improve ovarian response to the stimulation involved in the IVF process. Research from 2018 compared an IVF cycle of women taking CoQ10 with those not taking it, and the results showed higher egg yields, higher embryo quality, more embryos to freeze, and fewer cancelled cycles (McDonald, 2021 P.99).
And thirdly, the beautiful essential fatty acids found in diet and quality supplementation
The main reason I make this a non-negotiable in my clinic for many clients is due to the brain-power properties it gives to your baby in early pregnancy via brain development. My favourite way to increase essential fatty acids is via high-quality, practitioner-only fish oil with a higher DHA component.
If you do not have enough in your body for your baby as they grow, your body will steal it from your own supply and pass it on to bub, limiting your supply and leading to low moods and a decline in cognitive function (hello baby brain). Low levels may also increase the risk of post-natal depression and anxiety (Coletta et al 2010).
This isn’t something you stop after trimester one either, the benefits continue on during pregnancy and breastfeeding! You can get DHA from fish, nuts, and seeds, hence why I often ask clients to increase healthy fats in their diet!
However, it is important to pause supplementation around 36 weeks of gestation to avoid the risk of increased bleeding at delivery. Start again after your baby is born to provide them with additional fats via breast milk (if you choose/are able to breastfeed).
Fast-track your results
Supplements are the best way to improve egg quality and rates of fertilisation and implantation. If you want things to happen fast, this is one of the best ways.
And this advice is not just limited to women, either. With all of the new research arising about males being a major player in the fertility game (go figure!), these supplements can be amazing for them too. However, please never self-prescribe – always reach out to your naturopath for help.
Are you ready to start your preconception journey?
It’s best to start working with a fertility naturopath (like us at Mungbean Health) three to six months prior to conception for best results.
Remember, there are many other factors that play a role in your preconception journey, including diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors, so it’s best to seek help from a health professional.
Words by Riannon Page for Endeavour College of Natural Health