Welcome back to my most Googled questions series. This is part four of six, and today, we’re diving into preconception health.
The first topic that I want to explore is…
I NEED TO GET PREGNANT THIS MONTH
The phrase “I need to get pregnant this month” might seem irrational or desperate at first glance, but if you've ever Googled it, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, I’ve been there myself. I understand how fertility struggles can lead to feelings of despair and isolation.
Preconception health plays a crucial role in your fertility journey, but in those tough moments, it’s easy to forget that. If you're feeling overwhelmed, please know you don’t have to go through this alone.
When we go through fertility struggles, we tend not to ask anyone for help because if we do, we get bombarded with unwanted advice when what we want most is just to tell someone how hard it is. Sometimes, just having someone listen is the most comforting thing you can experience. So, know I’m here to help, and I invite you to reach out.
You may have to wait a little for a reply because I answer all my emails personally, but I promise I will get back to you.
Understanding Gynecological Health
This brings me to my next topic and most Googled question…
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH OVARY IS RELEASING AN EGG?
Regarding gynecological health and understanding ovulation, you might wonder which ovary releases an egg because ovulation is quite an intricate process. However, pain at ovulation is a fertility myth! If your body is healthy, there should be no pain, spotting, or discomfort.
In my practice, I often notice increased activity on the ovulating side during acupuncture treatments to support the HPO axis (hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries). This helps the body ovulate more effectively. But why does it matter which ovary releases the egg? The most important thing is that an egg is released, regardless of which side it comes from.
When preparing for pregnancy, it’s easy to get caught up in tracking ovulation or identifying the “exact ovary” involved in your cycle. However, what matters more is focusing on your overall preconception health. Proper ovulation, healthy cycles, and addressing any discomfort or irregularities are the building blocks for creating the optimal conditions for conception.
What Is Preconception Health?
Preconception health is all about giving your body the care and support it needs before you even start trying to conceive. It’s not just about getting pregnant; it’s about creating the best environment for you and your future baby.
I learned this lesson the hard way, skipping over preparation for my own journey. Trust me, taking this time makes all the difference.
My eBook explores preconception health in detail, but here are my key tips to get you started:
Give yourself time: Give your body at least six months to a year to prepare. It might feel like a long time, but think of it as an investment in your fertility and health. This phase lets you address potential issues and align your body with your goals.
Do a blood test: A simple blood test can uncover iron deficiencies or other health concerns hindering conception. Checking your iron levels is especially important, as low iron can lead to fatigue and impact your cycle.
Prioritise nourishing food: Your body thrives on what you feed it, so focus on a diet full of whole, nutrient-dense foods. Think iron-rich meals, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh vegetables. Every bite you take is a step toward better fertility. If you are short on ideas, head to my recipe page, where I publish new and nourishing recipes every month!
Don’t skimp on sleep: Sleep is one of the most underrated fertility boosters. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality rest each night. Your body needs this time to restore itself and balance hormones.
Never skip breakfast: This might sound simple, but skipping breakfast can disrupt your blood sugar and hormone levels. Make it count by starting your day with a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, such as this delicious salmon and egg fry-up!
Lower your stress levels: Stress is a major roadblock to fertility. I know it’s easier said than done, but finding ways to reduce stress—whether through yoga, meditation, or simply making time for yourself can help restore your body’s natural rhythm.
Start BBT charting: Charting your basal body temperature (BBT) is an empowering way to track your cycle and understand your unique patterns. It’s a simple practice that can reveal so much about your health and fertility. Unsure how to BBT chart? Reach out to talk about your BBT options!
Identify red flags: It’s so important to understand your menstrual health. Do you have irregular cycles, painful periods, clotting, or spotting between cycles? These are signs your body might need some support. Addressing these issues now can save you time and heartache later.
Understanding your menstrual cycle is key to preconception health. Here’s a quick overview of some important signs to watch for:
Red flags: Irregular cycles, heavy clotting, mid-cycle spotting, or severe PMS might indicate underlying issues.
Healthy cycle indicators: Regular cycles (typically 28–30 days), pain-free periods, crimson red menstrual blood without clots, and no PMS.
To dive deeper, check out some of my articles that cover these topics:
My Message to You
Taking the time to focus on preconception health is one of the most loving things you can do for yourself. I know it can feel overwhelming, but every step you take is progress. This phase is your chance to give your body the care it deserves, creating the best foundation for your fertility journey.
Start where you are. No perfection is needed, just commitment and a bit of patience. And remember, I’m here for you. If you want to dig deeper, grab a copy of my eBook, explore my articles on the topic, or reach out for a personalised consultation.
Fertility Check Before Conceiving: What You Need to Know
Now, onto the next topic and question…
PREGNANCY AGE LIMIT?
Yes, fertility declines with age, but that is the case for many bodily functions. Contrary to the common belief that women over 36 are too old to get pregnant, the actual age limit is when you reach menopause.
Taking a fertility check before conceiving is one of the smartest steps you can take. Alongside focusing on preconception health, it helps you understand how ready your body is for pregnancy and gives you the opportunity to address any concerns early on.
I often hear women worry about their chances because of their age, but let me remind you that while menopause generally happens around 50 or 51, this timeline isn’t set in stone. Lifestyle and genetics play a significant role. I personally know women who conceived naturally above the age of 45 So, don’t lose hope, even if you feel like time is against you. 😊
What Does a Fertility Check Look Like?
A fertility check doesn't have to be a formal test; it’s more about tuning into your body and asking the right questions. It’s a chance to get clear on where you’re starting from and uncover any areas that might need a little extra care. Here are some key questions to guide you:
Are my cycles regular? Regular cycles—typically 28 to 30 days—are a good sign that your hormones are balanced. If your cycles are irregular, it’s worth digging deeper to understand why. Don’t panic if this is the case; it’s your body’s way of asking for support.
Do I know that I ovulate? Ovulation is a non-negotiable for conception. If you’re unsure whether you ovulate, it’s time to start tracking. Using a Basal Body Temperature (BBT) chart or ovulation predictor kits can provide clarity.
Do I know when I ovulate? Timing is everything when trying to conceive. Your fertile window (the days leading up to and including ovulation) is the sweet spot. Paying attention to signs like stretchy, egg-white cervical mucus or a rise in your BBT can help you pinpoint ovulation.
What do my blood results say? A simple blood test can reveal so much about your overall health and fertility. Your iron levels, thyroid function, and key fertility hormones like Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinising Hormone (LH), and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) are worth checking. These markers can help you understand whether your body is ready for the complex process of pregnancy.
Do I have any red flags? Red flags like heavy clotting, severe PMS, spotting between cycles, or unusual pain might indicate something deeper. If any of these sound familiar, it’s important to address them. I cover this in detail in my online course, and it’s something I help many women with during consultations.
Is my body ready for such a complex process as pregnancy? Pregnancy is an incredible process, but it’s also a big ask for your body! Reflect on your overall health by answering these questions to help you identify whether your body is in the right space to take on this beautiful challenge:
Do you feel energised?
Are you eating well?
Are you managing stress?
A fertility check is more than just a list of questions; it’s a chance to take control of your journey and make empowered choices. It’s about understanding where your body is today and what it might need to get where you want to be.
Remember, no one’s body is perfect, and planning for pregnancy is a process. Start with small, manageable steps and celebrate the progress you’re making. Every positive change brings you closer to your goal, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Dr Christiane Northrup’s book Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom highlights this point with a powerful line: in cultures where women conceive until menopause, no one tells them they’re too old.
This perspective can help shift the mindset around gynecological health and fertility. I will do a separate review of this book because it's brilliant and definitely a great starting point for all the women who need to go back to basics, so stay tuned!
Now that we’ve cleared that question, let’s move on to the next one.
MALE FERTILITY AGE?
Men remain fertile throughout their lives. Sperm quality does decline with age, but factors like proper nutrition, exercise, and rest can help maintain fertility for many years.
Taking a pre-pregnancy test for couples before conceiving will help gauge where you stand. Many supplements are marketed to boost fertility, but it’s crucial to consult with a specialist in gynecological health or a nutritionist to avoid over-supplementing. My advice is for men to consult a gynecologist for men and check sperm quality, which is also vital for successful conception.
I recently attended a series of webinars with fertility nutritionists and experts. All of them confirmed that you CAN OVERDOSE on supplements and do yourself more harm than good. That’s why I always advocate a healthy diet, which is often the most effective solution. If you must take supplements, you must test your levels and consult a nutritionist, preferably a fertility one.
And while we’re on the topic of conceiving naturally, let me share an example where age is not a concern. I know an 80-year-old man who naturally fathered a child with his 45-year-old partner. This shows that maintaining good health and gynecological awareness can help couples conceive naturally, even later in life, without magical tricks.
Laying the Foundation for Your Preconception Health and Fertility Journey
Taking care of your preconception health isn’t just about trying to conceive—it’s about giving yourself and your future baby the best possible start. Preparing your body now means focusing on nutrition, lifestyle, and mental well-being. It’s not about rushing or stressing but building a foundation for a healthy pregnancy.
This journey is so much more than fertility. It’s also about nurturing your body to handle pregnancy, birth, and beyond. So take the time to care for yourself and trust in the process. Your body is ready, and with a bit of preparation, so are you!
If you’re feeling uncertain, remember that the more you prioritise preconception health, the smoother this process will be. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need advice or share this information with friends who could benefit from it. You’re never alone in this journey.
As mentioned earlier, this is the fourth round of answers to the most Googled fertility questions. I hope you’ve found them helpful and that I’ve clarified some confusion. Of course, today’s world offers endless debates and multiple research sources, leading us to question nearly everything! However, I’ve shared my truth—rooted in personal experience, research, and the wisdom of Chinese medicine.
My mission is simple: to bring clarity, information, and straightforward answers to women who want to conceive naturally, especially if they're over 36 and have been told it's too late. I’m here to remind you—it’s not!
I have one small favour: If you know someone who could benefit from this information, please share it with them. Let’s lift the veil on natural fertility and help each other.
Thanks for being here,
Irena x
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