A Functional Approach To Your Preconception Lab Checklist
Bringing a new life into the world is a remarkable journey that begins long before conception. Many people often forget that in order to grow a life, many aspects of our physical, mental, and emotional health need to be in balance to have a healthy pregnancy. The preconception period is the time before a couple actively starts trying to conceive. This is a window of opportunity to optimize health, address underlying conditions, and make necessary lifestyle changes.
Typically, this period spans several months (and often longer) before conception, and its significance cannot be overstated. During this time, both partners can work together to enhance their overall well-being and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy through nutrition and lifestyle changes. Remember that the preconception period is a shared journey between partners. Men's reproductive health is equally important, as factors like sperm health and quality can significantly influence conception and pregnancy.
We often get asked how long the preconception window is or how long it takes to conceive. Despite what standard protocols say, it is impossible to answer that question because your body is unique, its exposures throughout life are unique to you. Instead of focusing on a set timeframe of when you can expect to conceive, a better way to approach the preconception period is to check in with yourself and your partner to be sure you both are actively doing what is within your control to set your bodies up to be in the best health to conceive.
Important Considerations During The Preconception Period Include:
Lab Testing
Assessment of Thyroid Health
Assessment of Sex Hormones
Assessment of Vitamin & Mineral Status
Assessment of Adrenal and Stress Hormones
Assessment of MTHFR Gene Mutation (associated with increased risk of miscarriage)
Nutrition Status & Evaluation
Identifying macronutrient & micronutrient needs for optimal fertility in men & women
Deciding on a prenatal vitamin to support nutrition status. More on that here
Blood sugar management
Health Of The Gut & Vaginal Microbiome
Men's Health
Lifestyle Habits
Stress Management & Trauma
Fertility Post Birth Control
Medication Usage
Weight
For the purpose of this post, the spotlight is going to be on functional nutrition focused lab testing.
Lab Testing
When we think about preparing for pregnancy, it is important to consider specific testing to ensure both you and your partner's bodies are in a healthy state for conception. Testing nutritional, metabolic and hormone status prior to pregnancy can give you an idea of where to optimize both your health and your partner's health as needed so health concerns do not arise during pregnancy or postpartum. Many individuals don't even know where to begin when it comes to asking for specific testing or which labs to request.
Below are the recommended nutrition related labs to consider discussing with your doctor to best assess your body's ability to conceive and support a healthy pregnancy. Remember, it is always most important to consult your healthcare team regarding your specific and individual needs and this information solely serves as educational content.
Preconception Labs to Consider:
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Complete Blood Count with Differentials
25-OH Vitamin D
1, 25- dihydroxy Vitamin D
Full Iron Panel
Hemoglobin - optimal range: 13.5-14.5 g/dL
Hematocrit - optimal range: 37-44%
Serum Ferritin - optimal range: 30-100 ng/mL
MCV - optimal range: 85-90 fL/red cell
TIBC- optimal range: 250-350 ug/dL
Serum Iron- optimal range: 40-135 ug/dL
Transferrin Saturation- optimal range: 30-45%
Full Thyroid Panel (note - lab references ranges will change throughout pregnancy).
It is also important to note that low iron status and iron deficiency anemia can negatively impact the thyroid causing a risk for neurodevelopmental delays in infants. Remember that during pregnancy, the thyroid gland is responsible for increasing production of hormones by 50% to account for the growth of the fetus as well as the mother. If you already have an underlying thyroid condition or subclinical thyroid condition, it is important to understand why these levels are the way they are and work on correcting them prior to conceiving.
Keep in mind that if you have melasma this may have something to do with thyroid function and zinc status so physical signs and symptoms can also be great tools to help address fertility outcomes.
TSH - optimal range: 1.0-2.0 μIU/mL
Total T3 - optimal range 100-180 ng/dL
Total T4 - optimal range: 6-10 μg/dL
Free T4 - optimal range: 1-1.5 ng/dL
Free T3 - optimal range: 3.0-4.0 pg/mL
Reverse T3 - optimal range: 9.2-18.0 ng/dL
T3 Uptake- optimal range: 28-38%
Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies - optimal range: 0 IU/mL
Thyroglobulin Antibodies - optimal range: 0 IU/mL
Fasting Insulin - optimal range: 4-7 μIU/mL
HbA1c - optimal range: 5.0-5.3%
Vitamin B12- optimal range: 500-900 pmol/L
Folate- optimal range: >25.5 nmol/L
This lab value is required for fertility and crucial in preventing fetal malformations like neural tube defects.
Vitamin A (Retinol)- optimal range: 30-60 mcg/dL
Looking for more support to help prepare your body for pregnancy, receive the functional testing you need, and have support all the way through the process? Check out our Nourishing New Beginnings Program providing guidance and functional care combined with the added benefit of group support.
