Top Supplements for Preconception Planning
Preparing for pregnancy is a unique and empowering journey. This preconception phase—ideally starting 3 to 6 months before trying to conceive—is the perfect time to nurture your health, enhance egg and sperm quality, and create the best possible environment for your future baby.
Why Preconception Health Matters
Eggs and sperm are not instantly ready for conception. Eggs take about 90 days to mature, and sperm production takes about 72 days. This means the health decisions you make today can directly impact the quality of your reproductive cells in three months and offer a critical window to protect eggs and sperm from damage, boost energy production at the cellular level, and ensure hormone balance.
The best place to start is always a nutrient-rich diet. Making sure you are consuming plenty of whole foods and vegetables while minimizing processed foods and added sugars is the foundation of healthy preconception support. In addition to a nourishing diet, extra supplement support can help ensure the reproduction system and the rest of the body is getting everything it needs in preparation for pregnancy.
Detoxification
Pregnancy is a time of incredible growth and development. Because of this, limiting detoxification measures during pregnancy is important. Detoxifying too aggressively during pregnancy can release stored toxins into your bloodstream, potentially exposing the fetus to harmful substances. That’s why preconception is the ideal time to focus on liver support and toxin elimination.
Start by reducing exposure to toxins in your daily life:
- Swap conventional produce for organic options when possible to avoid pesticides and focus on whole, unprocessed foods instead of packaged ones.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol and consider cutting back on caffeine.
- Support your body’s detox pathways by incorporating practices like regular exercise or sauna sessions to promote sweating.
- Relaxing Epsom salt baths can help replenish magnesium and encourage detoxification.
- Prioritize liver health with foods like leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and lemon water.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of filtered water each day to flush out toxins.
Top Natural Supplements to Consider
- Needed Prenatal (for Women) and Men’s Multi (for Men) Starting a high-quality, comprehensive multivitamin during preconception is one of the best ways to ensure optimal nutrient stores before pregnancy. These formulas are designed to support both partners’ unique needs.
- Needed Egg Quality Support (for Women) and Sperm Support+ (for Men) Ideal for couples over 35 or anyone trying to conceive, these supplements are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that specifically enhance egg and sperm health.
- Needed CoQ10 (for Women and Men) This powerful antioxidant has been extensively studied for its ability to improve egg and sperm health. Adding CoQ10 to your routine can be a game-changer for preconception preparation.
Daily Essentials for Optimal Health
In addition to the targeted supplements above, maintaining general wellness is key. Both women and men should consider continuing:
- Needed Pre/Probiotic: To support gut health and immune function.
- Needed Vitamin D/K2: For overall hormonal and immune health.
- Needed Omega-3s: To reduce inflammation and support brain and reproductive health.
When it comes to choosing supplements, quality matters! Needed is a trusted company we recommend to our Doctor Moms, offering 15% off through our online store, Fullscript.
We know planning for a new baby can feel overwhelming, and we want to make everything as simple as possible, so here’s a link to our Doctor Mom’s Pregnancy Guide! This is your guide to not only the preconception phase but also to support you throughout your entire pregnancy and into postpartum!
Timing and Transition
The preconception phase is your window to optimize the health of both partners. Aim to start these interventions 3 to 6 months before trying to conceive. Once you achieve pregnancy, you’ll transition to a pregnancy-specific protocol, ensuring your body has everything it needs to nurture your growing baby.
Taking time to focus on preconception health isn’t just about fertility—it’s about laying the foundation for a healthier pregnancy, baby, and future family. This journey is a team effort, and by prioritizing healthy habits now, you’re setting your family up for long-term success. You’ve got this, Mama (and Papa)!
