Healthy First Steps to Getting Pregnant

Congratulations! You are on your journey to one of life's most miraculous experiences.  Before you even start to try to conceive there are some helpful tips and suggestions to getting healthy so that you and your baby can  experience a healthy pregnancy.  Dr. George Kosmides say's,

"There are several key things to consider and check before you conceive.  Make sure you have a healthy and regular menstrual  cycle for at least three months this is key"...

After stopping any form of birth control.  Get a nutritional evaluation by Dr. George Kosmides to make sure your diet is supporting your healthy body functions and needs, as well as the future needs of your growing baby. Once you have a healthy foundation the next step is conception.

Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Chiropractic care and acupuncture are excellent holistic treatments that support and regulate healthy body functions especially for women who are trying to conceive. When the body is in balance physically and energetically the process of conception has more potential to take place.  Here are some references that support chiropractic and a health pregnancy.: 

Resolution of Infertility in a Female Undergoing Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: Case Report & Review of Literature

Here is research that supports Acupuncture: 

• The Infertility Book, A Comprehensive Medical and Emotional Guide, Harkness, Carla, 2nd edition 1992, Celestial Arts, P.O. Box 7327 Berkeley, California. (510) 845-8414
• Infertility: A guide for the Childless Couple, Menning, Barbara Eck, New York, Prentice Hall rev. 1988.
• You Can Have A Baby, Everything you need to Know about Fertility, Bellina, Joseph H., M.D., Ph.D., Wilson, Josleen New York, Crown Publishers Inc., 1985.

Fuel up-Specific nutrition for each individual

In getting pregnant most mothers are told to take ample amounts of Folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, a B vitamin that can help reduce the risk of serious birth defects that affect the brain and spinal cord. This is true however, there are much more specific nutrients that your body needs that just B vitamins, this varies depending on each individual.  In a nutritional evaluation from Dr. Kosmides you will find out the specific areas in your body and systems that are in need of support to help the mother and baby. Blood tests do not always tell us everything, so other tests can be used to give a more complete systems check.

Quit smoking, drinking and drugs now

Smoking or taking drugs greatly diminishes your chances of getting pregnant and can lead to miscarriages, premature birth, and low-birth weight babies. Plus, research suggests that smoking can affect your fertility and lower your partner’s sperm count. In fact, studies have shown that even secondhand smoke may affect your chances of getting pregnant. It is also recommend that women avoid alcohol when trying to conceive.

Balance your PH 

Body PH is critical if you want to healthy platform to conceive and take your baby to a healthy birth. Ask Dr. George about testing your PH and the Body  Balance Program.

Cut down on caffeine

Research shows that too much caffeine can reduce your ability to absorb iron and increase your risk for stillbirth. Avoid coffee, tea, and colas or switch to decaf to increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you are a complete caffeine junkie, then the safe limit would be a 1/2 a day. Try switching to non-dairy protein shakes which will boost your calcium and nutritional needs as well and assist in conception. Feel free to ask us for healthy and easy breakfast options.

Get your weight & body fat in check

Women with a healthy body fat to weight ratio have an easier time getting pregnant than overweight or underweight women. Studies show that women whose body mass index (BMI) is below 20% or above 30% have a harder time getting pregnant, so it’s a good idea to try to get yourself into the 20% to 30% range before you start trying. An accurate method to check your body fat is to use a  bio-impedance scale or have a health care provider check your body fat.

Timing is Everything

There is an optimal conception "window" each month during the peak of your ovulation cycle. This "window" is about 10 to 14 hours per month.  Figure out your ovulation days with our ovulation calendar to increase your chances of conception. Read our articles on Ovulation and Signs of ovulation to assist you in knowing your fertile period. Ovulation predictor kits can also help you figure out when you’re ovulating by detecting hormones in your urine that signal ovulation is about to occur.  Although it is good to know when you are ovulating it is also good to keep your stress levels low, relax and enjoy the beautiful process of conception.

Mind Control

Women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to have problems with fertility as women who don’t. Get a mental health check if you notice signs of depression. Also, try stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, which research suggests can also help in getting pregnant.

For your man

Ask your partner to lose all briefs and opt for boxers instead for a healthy sperm count. (heat is one of the problems with low or abnormal sperm).  Also, having sex in the morning would help since the semen has the highest number of sperm then. There is also intercourse timing that is shown to improve odds.

Let's get started

Getting pregnant isn’t always easy. Very few couples conceive on the first try. In fact, even if everything is absolutely in perfect working order, you only have a 20-25% chance of conception each month. If you are under 30, and haven’t conceived in 12 months, you should make an appointment to check if your are nutritionally correct., most moms aren't.  If you are over 35, and haven’t succeeded in getting pregnant in six months, make an appointment to see Dr.Kosmides, as infertility issues become more prevalent the older you get. If you are over 40, then do not delay in getting help, Dr. George can offer supportive non-invasive alternatives, working with your medical provider.

Ask about Programs of Care for mom and baby