Tips to Improve Egg Quality
Egg quality plays a critical role in how long it takes to become pregnant, no matter how you are trying to conceive.
Women are often told there is nothing they can do to improve egg quality, but the research (as well as my experience) proves this wrong.
Improving egg quality, means limiting chromosomal abnormalities (or “genetic errors”). It is a common belief that genetic errors are a normal part of the aging process, but this is only partially true. You see, these errors don’t develop slowly over a lifetime. The majority of genetic errors occur shortly before ovulation from damage to the mitochondria (part of the cell that provides energy!). As we age, we may require more support to protect our eggs from damage, but egg quality can still be improved!
This is a big deal because, chromosomal abnormalities impact every stage of pregnancy, starting with fertilization. For most of a females life, her eggs are waiting as immature cells. It’s not until about 3-4 months before ovulation that an egg starts going through a big transformation, growing in size and producing a lot of energy. During this time, the maturing egg is picking and choosing chromosomes. If something goes wrong, chromosomal abnormalities will result. Poor egg quality or increased chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of miscarriage, failed IVF cycles and often result in a longer timeframe to getting pregnant naturally.
Targeted nutrition & lifestyle guidance greatly reduces chromosomal abnormalities, improving fertilization, implantation & carrying to term. It is important to know that there is no one-size-fits-all “protocol” for improving egg quality……yes antioxidants are important, stress management is crucial, the necessary nutrients are the same for everyone....BUT our overall health has to be looked at. If you have irregular cycles, autoimmunity, poor gut health, inflammation etc. Uncovering the root cause is necessary to make sure your body can use the antioxidants to protect your eggs rather than take care of another health issue.
4 Tips to Improve Egg Quality:
Set realistic expectations. It takes 3-4 months to see changes in egg quality.
Load up on antioxidants by including lots of color in your diet. Antioxidants help protect egg quality, decreasing genetic errors.
Reduce stress by practicing daily stress management strategies. I love deep breathing!
Get to the root of any symptoms! Nutrients & antioxidants will be shuttled away from improving egg quality if they are needed somewhere else in the body.
If you are ready for an individualized action plan to optimize your egg quality, schedule a free consult!