Preconception Program

What is preconception healthcare?

Preconception healthcare is a novel approach to planning for a healthy conception, pregnancy and birth. The preconception program works with both partners to ensure a healthy foundation from which to achieve the most optimal state prior to conception. This approach utilizes nutritional and lifestyle changes, herbal therapies, homeopathy, and physical therapies to help couples manage their fertility in an effective, safe, and least invasive way possible.

The importance of planning ahead

Planning prior to conception is a way for both prospective parents to improve their fertility and ensure that the necessary nutrients required for the developing embryo are available at the precise moment they are required. It also lessens toxins and substances that may be detrimental to embryonic development.

Choosing to plan ahead for conception empowers couples to make changes that have powerful effects on their fertility. A woman’s eggs are vulnerable to environmental toxins, illnesses, and nutritional deficiencies for 110 days prior to ovulation. Sperm can take up to 116 days to mature and can be even more susceptible to damage. Therefore, a full four months of preparation is required to create the most optimal state in which to achieve a healthy conception. Couples are encouraged to approach this time as a journey together into health and wellness.

Who can benefit from preconception healthcare?

  • Couples who want to optimize fertility prior to conception
  • Couples facing fertility challenges who wish to address the underlying cause of their health issues
  • Couples who have tried conventional therapies without success

The preconception program

Creating balance and choosing healthy options are fundamental for both partners. At Acupuncture Northwest & Associates, we are committed to creating a unique program for each couple in order to ensure their best possible outcome. Although four months is optimal, we are available to work with every individual to help them attain their goals, regardless of their ability to commit to a four month protocol or the ability of both partners to partake in the program.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

  • Avoidance of environmental exposures (chemicals, heavy metals, radiation, cleaning products)
  • Avoidance of coffee, alcohol, recreational drugs and cigarettes
  • Regular exercise
  • Stress reduction techniques

Wholesome Nutrition

  • Eating a diet rich in organic fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Moderate amounts of organic, free range, antibiotic-free animal protein
  • Clean, filtered water
  • Avoidance of refined, processed foods, sugar and simple carbohydrates

Natural Therapies

  • High quality nutritional supplementation to correct deficiencies and provide comprehensive support
  • Herbal medicine to support hormonal balance, digestive ability, stress support and energy production
  • Physical modalities including acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and Mayan Abdominal Massage to support the mind-body connection, improve circulation, enhance lymphatic flow and correct hormonal imbalance

Cleansing and Detoxification

A 2 to 3 week cleanse can be beneficial for those who feel that they need a jump start into a healthy lifestyle, suffer from chronic complaints (such as digestive disorders, inflammatory conditions, insomnia, migraines, etc) and those who have had a known toxic exposure.

  • Hypoallergenic and anti-inflammatory diet
  • Nutrients to support phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification
  • Physical modalities that encourage elimination and excretion of toxic elements and promote proper function of our organ systems

Diagnostic Procedures

Each couple faces unique health concerns and it is imperative to uncover any medical issues that may impede fertility. Testing will be individualized to meet your specific needs.

  • Routine blood and saliva tests to determine the functional status of hormones, endocrine balance and any potential inflammatory processes in the body
  • Assessment of nutritional deficiencies
  • Heavy metal burden/ toxic exposure
  • Food allergy testing

Natural Fertility Awareness Techniques

Women will learn to chart their monthly cycles to identify important aspects of their hormonal regulation and peak fertility signals.

Free 20 minute consultations are available for those who wish to discuss the program and how naturopathic medicine can meet their specific needs.