By this point, I have written so many newsletters and blog posts on the benefits of prepping for pregnancy BEFORE you start TTC. Today I want to give you more info on what labs I recommend getting done as a part of your pregnancy prep!
These are also great to get done yearly or if you are struggling to conceive.
The right labs can help you uncover nutrient gaps, hormonal imbalances, and overall health issues that may impact your ability to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Below is a breakdown of the labs I recommend.
1. Foundational Labs
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CBC (Complete Blood Count)
Looks at red and white blood cells. Checks for anemia or immune-related issues. -
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Evaluates liver and kidney function, electrolyte balance, protein intake, and adrenal function. -
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
A marker of inflammation that can affect fertility and implantation.
2. Metabolic Health
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Fasting Insulin
Detects insulin resistance, which can disrupt ovulation. -
Lipid Panel
Assesses cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are vital for hormone production.
3. Micronutrient Testing
Full Monty (Iron) Panel
Measuring iron and ferritin alone is not enough to truly assess how well your body is recycling and utilizing iron. I find this is a MAJOR piece of the puzzle for many of my fertility clients.
A Full Monty panel includes:
- Iron
- Ferritin
- Transferrin
- TIBC
- UIBC
- Iron saturation
- Plasma zinc
- Serum copper
- Ceruloplasmin
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
Additional Micronutrients
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Magnesium
Essential for egg development and hormone balance. -
Folate
Crucial for DNA synthesis, egg quality, and preventing neural tube defects.
4. Thyroid Function
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TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)
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Free T3 and Free T4
Measures active and circulating thyroid hormones. -
Thyroid Antibodies (TPO and TgAb)
Rules out autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s. -
Reverse T3
Helps assess whether stress or nutrient deficiencies are impacting thyroid function.
5. Specialty Tests
These additional tests can uncover deeper issues and are often added based on symptoms.
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HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis)
A non-invasive way to assess mineral imbalances that affect fertility and overall health. -
Iodine Loading Test
Checks iodine levels, which are vital for thyroid function and fertility.
Learn more here -
Gut Health Test (as needed)
Identifies imbalances in gut bacteria or inflammation that can impact hormone health. -
DUTCH (Hormone Test) (as needed)
Provides a detailed view of hormone metabolism and adrenal function. Especially helpful if you have significant cycle issues. -
Other Reproductive Markers
Such as prolactin (to check for ovulation suppression) and DHEA (to evaluate androgen levels).
I know this may feel like a lot, but these labs help identify potential obstacles before you start trying to conceive, giving you the opportunity to address them proactively. They also help guide nutrition, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations that are specific to you.
Testing is just the first step. Understanding your results and taking action is where the magic happens.
If you’re ready to dive into your labs and create a personalized plan, let’s work together!
- Kylie
