Prepping Your Gut for Pregnancy: The Microbiome-Fertility Connection
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Why Gut Health Matters Before You Conceive
When we think of fertility, we often think of hormones and cycles — but fewer people realise that your gut microbiome plays a major role in preparing your body for pregnancy.
Your gut microbiome — the ecosystem of trillions of bacteria in your digestive tract — affects nutrient absorption, hormone regulation, inflammation, and immune function. Each of these processes contributes to your fertility and your body’s ability to support a healthy pregnancy.
The Gut-Hormone Axis: A Two-Way Street
Your gut bacteria influence oestrogen levels by regulating how it’s metabolised and re-circulated in the body.
Dysbiosis (gut imbalance) can lead to oestrogen dominance or depletion — both of which impact ovulation and cycle health.
A healthy microbiome supports optimal function of the estrobolome, the part of the microbiome that metabolises oestrogen.
Hormonal imbalances linked to PCOS, endometriosis, and irregular cycles have also been associated with poor gut diversity.
Immunity and Implantation: The Microbiome’s Role
A well-balanced gut microbiome supports the immune tolerance needed for implantation. Since pregnancy requires the maternal immune system to accept the embryo, gut-mediated immune signalling is key.
Inflammation in the gut can lead to systemic inflammation, making it harder for the body to accept and nourish a fertilised egg.
Certain bacterial strains, like Lactobacillus, are associated with higher rates of implantation and early pregnancy success.
Nutrient Absorption: Feeding Fertility from the Inside
Your gut is the site of nutrient absorption for fertility-critical vitamins and minerals:
Folate/Folic Acid (essential before and during pregnancy)
Iron and Vitamin B12 (for energy and red blood cell production)
Zinc, magnesium, and Vitamin D (linked to egg quality, hormone production, and immune function)
A compromised gut can impair your ability to absorb these nutrients, even if you’re eating well or supplementing.
How to Support Your Gut Before Conception
Here are science-backed ways to optimise your microbiome in the months before trying to conceive:
Eat a diverse, fibre-rich diet — especially prebiotics like leeks, onions, garlic, bananas, and oats.
Include fermented foods like kefir, live yoghurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso.
Limit ultra-processed foods, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics, which can damage microbial diversity.
Consider a high-quality probiotic if recommended by your healthcare provider. We recommend Symprove.
Reduce chronic stress, which alters the gut-brain axis and gut permeability.
Why We Recommend Symprove
At The Bubba & Me Club, we recommend Symprove as part of a daily gut support routine. Unlike many probiotics, Symprove is water-based and delivers live, active bacteria straight to the gut where it can begin to colonise. It's clinically proven to support digestive health, microbial diversity, and immune function — all key factors in hormone balance and fertility support.
💛 Use code BUBBA50 to get 50% off your first three-month subscription.
If you're in the pre-conception stage, why not book a free discovery session with our nutritionist Kat? To celebrate our new space at One Health, Tunbridge Wells, we’re offering complimentary sessions for the first week of July. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!
Final Thoughts: Start with the Gut
Your gut isn’t just about digestion — it’s a central hub for hormonal balance, immune readiness, and nutrient uptake. By supporting your microbiome before pregnancy, you’re laying a strong foundation not just for conception, but for the health of your future baby, too.
