Maximizing Your Chances of a Healthy Pregnancy: The Role of Basic Blood Testing
Before planning for pregnancy, it's important to ensure that both partners are in good health and have sufficient nutrients to support the growth of a healthy baby. A blood test is an excellent starting point for this preconception care. Here's why I strongly believe blood tests are crucial. Blood tests in the preconception period give us Insight into Overall Health: A blood test provides valuable information about your overall health, nutritional status, and any underlying health conditions that could affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. They’re also Quick, Simple, and Cost-Effective: Blood tests are a convenient and affordable way to assess your health and nutritional status. Instead of relying on guesswork, you can get accurate information through testing.
For preconception care, I recommend including the following blood tests:
Full blood count: Measures different blood cells, such as red and white blood cells and platelets. Low red blood cell levels may indicate anaemia, which can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. White blood cell counts reveal potential infections that may impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Platelets are essential for blood clotting, and a low count can lead to bleeding during delivery.
Liver function and kidney function tests: These tests evaluate overall health, fertility, and well-being in both men and women. Kidney dysfunction can disrupt hormone regulation, affecting reproductive processes. Liver abnormalities can also disturb hormone balance and fertility.
Vitamin levels: Adequate levels of vitamins, especially vitamin D and B, are crucial for reproductive function. Deficiencies in these vitamins can impact sperm quality and quantity in men, hormonal balance, ovulation, embryo implantation, and pregnancy complications in women.
Iron levels: Iron plays a vital role in preconception and fertility for both men and women. Insufficient iron levels can lead to decreased sperm quality and quantity in men and irregular menstrual cycles, ovulation issues, and pregnancy complications in women.
Blood sugar levels: Monitoring blood sugar is essential for preconception and fertility in both genders. High blood sugar can adversely affect reproductive health, including sperm quality, ovulation, hormone balance, and menstrual regularity.
Thyroid function: Thyroid hormones regulate reproductive processes, and imbalances can disrupt ovulation, menstrual regularity, and sperm quality. Monitoring thyroid function helps identify any abnormalities that may affect fertility.
By assessing these markers before conception, we can identify any potential health issues and address them to improve fertility, support a healthy pregnancy, and ensure the long-term well-being of both mother and child.
I encourage prioritising preconception care to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby. If any blood test results fall outside the reference range, I offer personalised and caring support through blood test interpretation or deep dive sessions to create a tailored treatment plan for preconception. If all markers are within the reference range, I recommend continuing with the Seedling: A Natural Fertility Program for both men and women.
If you'd like a letter to request these blood tests from your healthcare provider, you can find a template in the shop for just one dollar.
Remember, starting your conception journey with a comprehensive blood test is a proactive step towards a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
