Infertility is becoming increasingly common in Australia, with around 1 in 6 Australian couples of reproductive age experiencing difficulties conceiving after 12 months of trying. For couples planning to grow their family, understanding these statistics—and how natural health approaches can support fertility—can be empowering.
Male factor infertility accounts for just under half of all cases, with approximately 1 in 25 men experiencing low sperm count or poor sperm health. Whereas female factor infertility contributes to around 40% of cases, with women over the age of 35 at significantly higher risk of fertility challenges.
Preconception offers a unique opportunity to truly influence the health of the next generation. Preconception care focuses on optimising your health before you fall pregnant. This process involves making lifestyle adjustments, improving diet, using targeted nutrients, reducing stress, removing environmental factors, and addressing any underlying health conditions that could impact fertility or pregnancy. Ideally, preconception care should begin 3 to 6 months before trying to conceive.
Conception is a team effort. Sperm health matters just as much as egg quality, and both are influenced by nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors. By focusing on preconception care, you can improve:
- Egg quality and ovarian health
- Sperm quality, count, and motility
- Hormonal balance
- Overall reproductive health
A healthy pregnancy begins long before implantation. The first 8 weeks of pregnancy — often before many people know they’re pregnant — are critical for the baby’s organ formation. Preconception care helps ensure:
- Optimal folate and other nutrient levels to support neural tube development
- Balanced blood sugar and healthy weight, reducing the risk of gestational diabetes
- Reduced risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth defects
Certain health conditions can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, including:
- High blood pressure and pre-eclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Preterm labour
- Low birth weight
Preconception care can help identify and manage these risks before pregnancy begins, giving you the best chance for a smooth pregnancy.
Emerging research highlights how a parent’s health at conception influences the lifelong health of their child. Factors like nutrition, toxin exposure, stress levels, and weight at conception can impact a child’s:
- Immune function
- Metabolic health (including risk of obesity and diabetes)
- Neurological development
- Risk of allergies and asthma
Taking the time to focus on your health before trying to conceive is one of the most powerful ways to increase your chances of conception, support a healthy pregnancy, and give your future baby the best possible start in life. If you’re planning for pregnancy, a naturopath can develop a personalised preconception plan tailored to your health history and goals.