129: Top 3 functional labs to help you get pregnant in 2025
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
Release Date: 01/12/2025
171: How to get pregnant in 2026
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
Happy New Year, my friends, and welcome to Season 5 of the Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast and to 2026. This year is all about intention, strategy, and evidence-based steps to help you finally move the needle on your fertility. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through my top 3 things to do if you’ve been trying to get pregnant without success, and my top 3 things to do if you’re just getting started or planning to start trying in the next few months. We’ll talk about the gut–fertility connection, the reality of the ongoing sperm crisis, functional hormone testing, and the key...
info_outline
170: High FSH, egg donor and TTC in your late 30’s and 40’s
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
High FSH: three little letters that can send you spiraling when you’re trying to get pregnant. Maybe you’ve been told your FSH is “too high,” your eggs are “too old,” or that an egg donor is your only chance at having a baby, but this episode is here to shift that narrative and help you see that number in a completely different light. We’ll unpack what high FSH really means, how it fits into your bigger fertility picture, and explore some powerful ways to work with your body in your later reproductive years so you can feel informed, hopeful, and back in the driver’s seat of...
info_outline
169: What spirit babies reveal about unexplained infertility with Anne-Claire Le Bihan
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
Today I interview Anne‑Claire Le Bihan, a former midwife and naturopath, and now practicing spirit baby communicator, who guides you beyond “doing more” and into a softer, magnetic way of being that opens space for baby to arrive. You’ll hear how dreams, signs, and your own inner knowing can become a clear dialogue before conception, why mindset and energy shift fertility from contraction to receptivity, and how loss can initiate a sacred training for the mother you’re becoming.. If you’re curious about what your spirit baby might be trying to tell you, and how to align with divine...
info_outline
168: Fertility recovery after HA with Dr. Ashley Burton
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
What happens when a type‑A, high‑achieving doctor slowly loses her period, her sense of safety in her body, and eventually her fertility, only to discover she is the one pushing her hormones to shut down? In this raw and hopeful episode, Dr. Ashley Burton traces her path from childhood body image and disordered “health” habits through years of irregular cycles, the pill, an unexpected pregnancy and termination, and a cascade of IUD complications that ended in full‑blown hypothalamic amenorrhea. Ashley pulls back the curtain on her HA journey and how true preconception prep was a...
info_outline
167: My top 8 PSA's for anyone TTC
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
In today’s episode, I’m sharing my top 8 essential insights as a functional fertility coach that go far beyond standard advice, to help you truly understand, prepare, and take charge of your fertility. Get ready to learn why generic protocols aren’t enough, how to avoid common misconceptions, and which proactive, holistic steps can give you the best shot at conception and a healthy pregnancy. If you’re ready to move from confusion to confidence and make science-backed decisions for your future family, you’re in the right place! Episode Highlights: Why it’s never too early to take...
info_outline
166: 5 things every woman should do before TTC with Dr. Roxanne Pero
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the five things every woman should do before trying to conceive with one of the most holistic minds in women’s health, Dr. Roxanne Pero. As a triple-boarded OB/GYN specializing in functional and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Pero brings a modern, integrative lens to preconception care. Together, we unpack why pregnancy preparation should start long before that positive test. We discuss everything from nourishing your body and syncing with your cycle, to advocating for your health and building emotional resilience. You’ll discover how small,...
info_outline
165: The all in one fertility treatment app with Irene Alvarado
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
In today's episode, I interview Irene Alvarado, a software engineer turned entrepreneur, whose personal fertility journey led her to develop the Berry Fertility app, a true game-changer in patient-centered reproductive care. From experience with egg freezing, Irene saw firsthand just how overwhelming the clinical logistics, medication schedules, and data tracking could be. That’s why Berry Fertility focuses on tackling these real-world challenges head-on, streamlining the way patients organize their medication routines, manage critical treatment data, and interface with complex protocols...
info_outline
164: Top ways to improve cervical mucus when TTC
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
Get ready to discover how cervical mucus works, what it’s made of, and why it’s critical not just for sperm survival, but for creating a truly fertile environment. In today’s episode, you’ll learn how mucus quality changes with hormones and age, how to use it as a tool to track your cycle and flag potential issues, and strategies to improve mucus production for a better chance at pregnancy. From distinguishing peak to non-peak days, exploring the mysteries behind cycle charting, and understanding how lifestyle choices directly shape your fertility, you’ll walk away inspired and...
info_outline
163: Their four month miracle: Jolene & Rob’s proactive journey to parenthood
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
Imagine standing at a crossroads. where hope and uncertainty collide. Instead of waiting for fate to decide, Jolene and Rob unlocked the secrets inside their bodies, rewriting their future with a science backed approach and relentless commitment. In today’s episode, I interview my client Jolene who shares her and her partner's proactive approach to preparing for pregnancy, focusing on comprehensive health optimization before actively trying for a baby. By investing in thorough functional health testing and individualized protocols, they were able to address hormonal and gut health issues,...
info_outline
162: How to make baby-making sexy, sacred and a source of profound connection with Susan Bratton
The Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast
Today’s episode is an absolute treat, you’ll hear from Susan Bratton, the legendary intimacy expert who’s about to turn your conception journey from clinical stress-fest to a pleasure-packed adventure. If you thought trying for a baby meant spreadsheets and ovulation charts, Susan’s here to prove that laughter, connection, and a dash of playful technique can make the whole process way more fun (and, dare I say, sexy). She’s got practical tips for spicing things up in the bedroom, sparking emotional closeness, and keeping both partners sane (and entertained) even when the...
info_outlineIn today’s podcast episode, I’m diving into the game-changing world of functional lab testing and why it's revolutionizing the approach to fertility. By examining hormones, nutrients, and your microbiome, functional lab tests provide invaluable insights that can help identify and address the root causes of health problems and fertility challenges, outside of just regular blood labs. Whether you're just starting your fertility journey or have been struggling to conceive, this episode will help you get clear on next steps for additional testing to improve fertility outcomes.
Episode Highlights:
- Where blood labs fall short.
- What a functional lab test is and how it differs from traditional blood labs.
- Different types of collection methods for functional lab testing (urine, saliva, stool, swab) and the benefits of each.
- Comprehensive hormone testing for understanding hormones and their metabolites.
- Why hormone metabolites are just as important as understanding your hormone levels
- Items tested in a gut microbiome test and expected protocol timeline.
- Items tested in a vaginal microbiome test and expected protocol timeline.
Related Links:
- Apply for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here
- Apply for Labs Only package with Nora here
- Click here for a collection of Nora’s best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant
- For full show notes and related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/129
Please Note: The contents of this podcast are for educational and informational purposes only. The information is not to be interpreted as, or mistaken for, clinical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.