Preparing the body for pregnancy is an exciting time for a woman, but the pressure, as well as the temptation to compare yourself, can feel immense. There is so much to consider before you start trying to conceive. In this article, we’ll cover some basics and what you can do to prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

Schedule a preconception checkup.

If having a baby is even in your head, schedule a preconception checkup with your doctor. You’ll get a physical examination and a medical history review. This is also your chance to raise any concerns you might have and ask questions. You may also have screening, genetic testing, or blood work recommended to you, depending on your health and personal circumstances.

Start taking your prenatal vitamins.

This may seem obvious, but when stressed, you may forget to take your folic acid, iron, calcium, and other supplements specially formulated to provide the essential nutrients your body needs during pregnancy. Taking these before you conceive can boost your chances of a healthy conception and help reduce the risk of birth defects. Ideally, a woman should begin taking these at least three months before she conceives.

Stay at a healthy weight.

Being a healthy weight is important for your own health as well as your baby’s. The risk of a complicated pregnancy increases when a mother is overweight or underweight. Potential problems include gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Discuss what the healthiest weight range is for you with your doctor. If you aren’t within this range, work on a plan to achieve it before you start trying to conceive. Being overweight or underweight can also affect your chances of conceiving.

Quit smoking, drinking, and drug use.

It may seem obvious, but plenty of doctors are asked whether a mother really needs to set bad habits aside when trying to conceive. Cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs can all have a negative impact on your health, your baby’s health, and your fertility. Your doctor would probably advise you to quit smoking and drugs, even if you weren’t asking about conception, but you should definitely do so before trying to have a baby. It is also important to quit alcohol when trying to conceive, and it is worth remembering that there is no known safe alcohol consumption level while pregnant. If you're having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor about resources that can help.

Manage chronic conditions.

If you suffer from a chronic condition, you likely think about managing it every day of your life, but this takes on new significance as well as new considerations, potentially, if you plan on carrying a baby. Problems like diabetes and high blood pressure certainly need to be managed before you conceive, as they can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Discuss with your doctor how you can deal with this before, during, or after pregnancy.

Exercise regularly.

Regular exercise can both improve your fertility and prepare your body for pregnancy. Try for at least a half-hour of moderate exercise like swimming or even just walking briskly every day. Avoid high-intensity pursuits or contact sports if you think you might already be pregnant.

Manage your stress levels.

You might find it difficult to avoid stress completely, especially if you’re struggling to get pregnant, but we do know that it negatively affects fertility and your overall health. Try to find ways to reduce it before you conceive. If you can’t commit to daily meditation or yoga, a book or take a warm bath with lavender oil in the evenings may help you.

Assess your work environment.

If you work in an environment that exposes you to chemicals, radiation, or other hazards, it's important to talk to your doctor about any potential risks to your fertility or pregnancy. They may recommend changing your work environment or schedule.

Preparing for Pregnancy

For Unii’s Preconception Journey, we look at the first healthcare steps you should take before trying to conceive.