HealthSmarts: Preparing for pregnancy

We are all familiar with the increased infertility rates facing many American couples today. With approximately one in 10 couples struggling to get pregnant, it is impossible not to know someone having difficulty conceiving. As our friends describe the injections, medications and timed intercourse, most of us are confronted with the uncomfortable realization that getting pregnant may not be that easy.

For many women today, pregnancy is something we delay as we attempt to build our careers or solidify our marriages. Often, the ability to conceive is taken for granted, and many women do not even think actively about pregnancy until getting pregnant becomes difficult.

While much has been written on how to get pregnant or what specialists to see, I believe that we can have more success getting pregnant if more time and energy is spent on preparing for pregnancy rather than focusing only on getting pregnant. In healing traditions around the world, pregnancy and the ability to conceive are an overall reflection of a woman's total health.

As women prepare for pregnancy, it is important to acknowledge some of the more established causes of infertility. These include:

1. Age: Unfortunately, age is a critical fertility predictor. The older the male or female partner, the higher the risk for infertility. Fertility rates in women begin to fall at the age of 34 or 35, and then drop sharply again at 40 and 43. In men, fertility appears to decline after age 40.

2. BMI: The body mass index or BMI is also critical in women. BMI is a calculation used to assess weight in men or women. A BMI greater than 30 (or less than 20 in women) is associated with decreased fertility in both men and women.

3. Cigarette smoke exposure: Chronic exposure to cigarette smoke has been shown to decrease fertility in both men and women.

Education on common infertility risk factors can help couples plan for children and make health changes before hitting the infertility roller coaster. For example, a couple in their late 30s that may have recently married would be better off getting pregnant early in the marriage rather than waiting to approach their 40s. A young woman who smokes or has a partner who smokes may be better off directing her energy toward quitting smoking rather than trying to get pregnant. Finally, a woman (or man) with a BMI greater than 30 may have more fertility success if she works to lose weight rather than trying to get pregnant.

While understanding the infertility risk factors are an important first step in pregnancy preparation, most couples can benefit from additional pregnancy planning at least one year before attempting to become pregnant. I recommend that couples develop a "Pre-Pregnancy Plan," in which they develop strategies to create an environment conducive to fertility. A Pre-Pregnancy Plan would include:

1. Stress and Lifestyle Assessment

Stress is known to alter hormonal profiles in women, which in turn affects fertility. Couples should take some time to evaluate the stressors in their lives. For some women, the stress may be financial, while for others, stress is related to work or relationship demands. Confronting these stressors with your partner and then finding ways to minimize the stress ultimately improves overall health and hormonal profiles in women.

2. Nutrition Assessment

Many integrative physicians believe that creating an optimal nutritional environment aids fertility and weight management. Following a diet high in essential fatty acids and B vitamins, while low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, may aid fertility. Couples may benefit from keeping a food diary for 1-2 days, and then reviewing that information with a nutritionist or an integrative physician for suggested changes. While over-supplementation with vitamins is never recommended, a nutritional supplement called Fertility Blend for Women has been shown to improve fertility rates in some women.

3. Self Care

Finally, all women should develop routine self-care strategies that help minimize stress and conserve energy. Self care can take the form of relaxation therapies like massage and meditation. Some women may benefit more from moderate exercise programs like yoga or swimming that are mentally relaxing while being physically active. Maintaining friendships is another way to feel connected and less stressed. I recommend that all women engage in at least one self-care technique daily. These routines help in battling unexpected stressors and improving fertility.

In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, pregnancy is the culmination of a woman's creative energy, and must be honored and respected. Our present culture forces many women to ignore their creative energy, only understanding its value after much heartache. By learning to prepare for pregnancy rather than compete for the outcome, integrative physicians believe that many women can avoid the tumultuous path of infertility treatments and constant anxiety. I encourage all women to develop their own pre-pregnancy plan through which they honor their energy and achieve their best health.


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(Dr. Bhatia is a physician and fellow at the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine. She has practiced pediatric emergency medicine for seven years and is certified in holistic medicine, nutrition and acupuncture. She is a recurring medical guest on CNN/Headline News. Please feel free to contact her with questions at tasneembhatia8@yahoo.com.)



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(The medical information provided in this column is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health provider.)

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