Preconception Care in Singapore – Our Guide To Improving Pregnancy Outcomes

Preconception care isn’t talked about as much as prenatal care or postpartum, but it deserves attention. In our clinic, we often support couples who wish to improve outcomes during fertility treatments, increase the likelihood of conceiving naturally, or simply live a holistically healthier life.

This guide will take you through preconception care, how you can improve fertility outcomes, and lifestyle factors that may influence fertility. If you would like a functional medicine consultation, please get in touch.

Having a qualified naturopathic doctor can help you navigate through this phase and provide further insights into cycle charting, required lab work, navigating diets and proper customised supplementation. We can also advise on when to seek medical intervention.

I regularly work closely with fertility TCM experts who can add further value to the protocol. We will discuss ovulatory cycle disturbances and other conditions that impact fertility and how naturopathic medicine can help in other posts.

Give the clinic a call and get your preconception plan sorted.

What Lifestyle Changes Can Positively Affect Fertility?

Changes to your lifestyle can positively affect conception rates, pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the baby. We can talk about your diet, exercise schedule, stress levels and more, and we’ll also look into nutritional support, toxins, your hormone levels, body weight, and much more. The body is a complex system, and everything works together to grow a healthy baby.

Alcohol and Fertility

Alcohol consumption can reduce the likelihood of conception. A moderate intake of six drinks or more during the luteal phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle can result in poor reproductive outcomes, and even paternal alcohol consumption within one month, one week, and during IVF attempts is also associated with worse outcomes. Studies suggest that drinking the month prior to IVF may double the chances of failure.

Caffeine and Fertility

Consuming more than 500 mg of caffeine per day has also been linked to reduced fertility and increased miscarriage risk. However, moderate consumption of up to 200–300 mg per day appears to have no significant adverse effects on fertility. For reference, there are roughly 136 Mg of caffeine in a 340 ml cup of coffee.

Stress and Reproductive Health

Stress disrupts hormonal balance and impairs your reproductive function. This reduces the likelihood of conception in the first cycle. We can talk about interventions like mindfulness, therapy, and relaxation techniques that may improve reproductive outcomes.

Does Diet Influence Fertility?

The Mediterranean diet has been associated with better fertility outcomes. Benefits may include improved sperm quality in men and higher pregnancy and live birth rates in women. If you eat whole grains, healthy fats, fresh produce, and lean proteins, you will be healthier altogether, not just in the reproductive sense.

Blood Tests and Lab Work

Lab work will directly inform many of our recommendations during the preconception stage. We can analyze hormone levels, nutrient deficiencies, and toxin levels and react accordingly.

Key Blood Markers to Look For

Blood markers such as homocysteine, MTHFR gene status, ferritin, and vitamin D levels, in addition to standard fertility testing, provide valuable insights for preconception planning. MTHFR mutations, particularly C677T, are linked to infertility risks in both men and women. Elevated homocysteine levels from these mutations can impair sperm production, egg quality, and early pregnancy outcomes.

Supplements for Preconception

A standard regimen may include omega-3 fatty acids, iron, vitamin D, and folic acid. For certain patients, folate supplements may be more effective. We look at your genetic profile and other health factors to create a unique plan for you, and we recommend only high quality supplements without toxins and excess fillers. You should always stay under the supervision of an expert when you are taking preconception supplements.

How Naturopathic Medicine Helps Conception

Experienced naturopaths offer insights into cycle charting, necessary lab work, dietary adjustments, and specific supplementation that fits your profile. We can also advise on when to seek medical intervention.

We can also recommend a collaboration with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experts – some clients see better outcomes by addressing multiple aspects of reproductive health.

Preconception Care in Singapore – Schedule a Consultation

If you would like holistic advice and care that will help you achieve better pregnancy outcomes, call a naturopathic doctor in Singapore today. We would be happy to speak with you, discuss your needs, and create a plan for you.

Disclaimer: *The services or qualification is allied health and not covered under Singapore Health ACT (Not Dental/ Medical qualification).

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