A healthy lifestyle is recommended before and during pregnancy. You may be surprised to learn that your diet, lifestyle, spinal health and environment factor all have a profound bearing on your reproductive health and your ability to conceive.
Formation of mature sperm during a full regeneration cycle takes about two months; while maturation of eggs takes about 3 months before ovulation. Hence, your reproductive health today is actually the product of your health, diet and environment two to three months prior to conception.
Things to include:
Things to reduce/ review:
Things to eliminate:
Chiropractic care addresses nervous system dysfunction. Spinal misalignments may cause nerve interference that doesn’t allow proper communication between the spine and the rest of the body. Nerve innervation that goes into the uterus and ovaries comes from T10-L4, hence, it is important to make sure the biomechanical and nervous system is at its optimal state in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Chiropractic treatment may also promote regular menstrual cycles and optimum uterine function by aligning the pelvis. Our chiropractors also use technique focuses on releasing tension in the sacrotuberous ligament and the round ligaments. The function of all these ligaments are to hold the uterus in place and these ligaments can become strained and tighten just as a muscle can. By having chiropractic treatment, restrictions found in the ligaments can be released to allow the optimal uterine position.
It’s important for both parents to eat a balanced and healthy pre pregnancy diet. The right foods contain nutrients that give women energy and optimum health and also give men a boost when it comes to their fertility and sperm health.
Here’s what you need to eat every day to reach the recommended nutrient intake:
Talk to your chiropractor about what is the best supplements for you. The important ones would be your prenatal supplements, Vitamin D and Essential fatty acids. We have prenatal supplement s in stock.
(Metagenics – Pregnancy Care Advanced available in the clinic now! For $36.95)
If you’re actively trying to get pregnant, sperm and egg can meet at any time, and that’s why sticking with workouts that get the green light for the expecting. Exercise reduces stress and it helps you to sleep better. Your chiropractor will advise you on appropriate exercise so you can be in your best form for pregnancy.
You might receive lots of well-meaning advice from family and friends that only leaves you feeling frustrated, there are a number of stress reduction techniques that have worked for many others in your situation. These includes learning meditation, complementary therapies, talking to someone and visiting your chiropractor to reduce stress and worries from a spinal dysfunction.
Being as healthy as possible before you try to have a baby has been shown to boost your chances of falling pregnant and give your baby a better chance of good health throughout their whole life.
Being in a healthy weight increases your chances of conceiving a healthy baby. Being overweight affects the quality of your eggs and makes it harder to conceive while being underweight can also affect your fertility. The best way of achieving a healthy weight is to eat a nutritious diet and exercise regularly.
Review medications and current supplementation regime If you are planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the need of any medication and supplements with your doctor before becoming pregnant and make sure you are taking only those medications that are necessary. Ask your chiropractor to see which supplements suit you before trying to conceive.
The recommended amount of sleep is seven-eight hours daily. Regular disruptions in you and your partners sleep can lead toward certain disorders of the reproductive system as hormone secretion is controlled by your circadian rhythm. Improving your sleep habits and getting undisturbed sleep will help to regulate reproductive hormones.
Avoid harmful chemicals, environmental contaminants, and other toxic substances such as synthetic chemicals, metals, fertilizer, bug spray, and cat or rodent faeces around the home and in the workplace.
There is no safe limit for smoking. If you are trying to have a baby, it’s important to quit at least 3 months before you start trying for a baby. Smokers are more likely to have a miscarriage, a low birthweight baby, a premature baby or a baby with birth defects.
Drinking can delay conception. Heavy drinking meaning having more than 7 drinks a week or more than 3 glasses on one occasion – is more likely to contribute to fertility problems, and it reduces your chance of having a healthy baby. It’s also a good idea to limit caffeine before you try to conceive.
At Lakeside Chiropractic in Perth Northern Suburbs, we utilise a number of treatment modalities which are backed by scientific evidence and tailor treatment plans to each individual to incorporate advice and exercises to optimise your health and wellbeing. For more information about preconception care, give us a call on 9300 0095 or visit our website at www.lakesidechiro.com.au to book an appointment.
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