Pregnancy and childbirth are the most natural processes in the world. Without
any help at all, most couples conceive, have normal pregnancies, and deliver
healthy babies. But, ever since statistics have been kept, we have learned that
20% to 30% of couples are unable to conceive without assistance, and 15% - 20%
of all pregnancies are not successful. They end in miscarriage, stillbirth, or
a baby with congenital defects. In the past decade, research by specialists in
obstetrics, nutrition, environmental medicine, and psychosocial conditions, has
begun to shed light on the reasons.
We now know that what you eat, body composition imbalances, toxins in your
environment, urinary tract infections that present no symptoms, and high levels
of personal stress, in the period before conception as well as during pregnancy,
all have a direct impact on your ability to become pregnant and deliver a healthy
baby. These factors apply to both the male and female parent-to-be. The PreConception
Program is designed to bring you state-of-the-art information from that research,
and a concrete plan that will correct many of the imbalances in your individual
lifestyle and health, to maximize your chances for a successful pregnancy.
Who should participate in the PreConception Program?
Men and women who hope and expect to begin a pregnancy in the coming year
should participate. If you are a couple experiencing problems with fertility
- whether or not you are using IVF - you can expect to increase your chances
of pregnancy by taking part in the PreConception Program. At the University
of Surrey, England, in a program similar to ours (the Foresight Program), 96%
of all couples reported that they had given birth. Of those who reported prior
fertility difficulties, 81% also reported successful pregnancies and births.
Couples who are aware of risk factors in their potential pregnancy - because
of previous pregnancy loss, age, or other conditions - can reduce the likelihood
of a problem pregnancy with the PreConception Program. And if you are a healthy
couple, with every reason to expect a healthy pregnancy, you are excellent
candidates for the Program. By maximizing your wellness, in ways that you may
never have thought of before, you may avoid the 15% - 20% of pregnancies that
end unsuccessfully. At Foresight, 100% of the participants who became pregnant
reported normal pregnancies and healthy babies. That is, there were no premature
births, no congenital malformations, and the potential for healthier children
in all aspects. While every couple presents unique issues, with the PreConception
Program we are challenging the widely accepted notion that a significant number
of pregnancy losses are acceptable and unaviodable.
What kinds of topics will be covered in the program?
Some of the topics explored during the program include:
- Nutrition to improve fertility
- Nutritional analyses (for both partners)
- Drug and alcohol use
- Medicines that decrease fertility
- Becoming aware of your peak fertile times
- Role of exercise in fertility
- Stress management while trying to conceive
- Genetic analyses (as needed)
In addition, individual treatments will be recommended, using complementary
and alternative medical practices, to support
your conventional medical care by your own practitioner. These practices
include:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal medicine
- Massage therapy
- Reiki
- Chiropractic
- Alexander Technique
- Yoga
- Exercise management
- Meditation
How does the PreConception Program complement conventional prenatal preparation?
Three basic components of conventional prenatal care and preparation should
be provided by your physician: screening, education and counseling, and immunization
and treatment. The PreConception Program expands the screening, education and
counseling components of your conventional care, to provide a more comprehensive
approach which addresses the many factors that contribute to your fertility.
We emphasize prevention efforts that stimulate the body's natural way of conceiving,
carrying, and delivering a healthy baby.
