One of the best things you can do to have a healthy pregnancy is to prepare your body for conception. Talk to your doctor if you are considering getting pregnant, as they will guide you and your partner on recommended practices that increase your chances of conceiving. Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle don’t only apply to the woman—it’s essential the man considers these things too, as they will also contribute to his fertility.
Likewise, your doctor will also show you what to avoid, such as toxic, hazardous materials. Things like synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, and cat or rodent feces can cause infection and harm your reproductive system by impacting your fertility and menstrual cycle. Should you get pregnant, toxic substances can also increase the risk of birth defects in your baby.
Nutritional Guidelines and Supplements
Like an athlete training for a race, getting your body ready for pregnancy takes thorough planning and prepping ahead of time. One of the key preparation tactics involves good nutrition. Make sure to include these vitamin and mineral supplements in your daily diet at least 3 months before you start trying for a baby:
Folic Acid: This B vitamin prevents brain and spinal issues in your baby (otherwise known as neural tube defects). You should take at least 400 micrograms/day.
Iodine: Helps create thyroid hormones, aiding the baby’s brain development.
Iron: Promotes red blood cell production and helps your body transfer oxygen to the placenta.
Calcium: Strengthens you and your baby’s bones.
Zinc: Maintains healthy function in the reproductive system and increases fertility for men and women.
Your doctor will most likely recommend you take prenatal vitamins that include these supplements; however, these vitamins and minerals can be taken on their own, too. It’s best to take prenatal vitamins if you are trying to conceive to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients. You may want to follow a healthy diet consisting of lean protein, grains, low-fat dairy, and fruits and vegetables, too. These nutrients will make your body and immune system stronger, preparing the way for a baby. Consult your doctor on what works best for your personal health.
Important Screenings, Appointments, and Tests
Some women opt for prenatal counseling. This is where you may meet with your doctor to discuss the current state of your health and your family’s health history, undergo tests and screenings, and check in on any other area of prenatal care. This is especially important if you want to discuss any health or genetic conditions with your doctors before conceiving. It can also help you gain more information on what to expect so you can go into your pregnancy with confi dence.
You can talk with your doctor about your health history in case you have a condition that could aff ect your pregnancy—like diabetes or obesity. While it’s not impossible to get pregnant with these conditions, they can lead to increased health problems for you and/or the baby during pregnancy. Your doctor can work with you to address any health concerns fi rst before conceiving.
If you do carry any genetic conditions (disorders that are passed down from your parents), you may want to consider genetic counseling to discuss pregnancy risks and the characteristics of the condition. You may also undergo genetic screening to assess the likelihood of passing it down to your child.
Your provider may recommend various tests and exams to ensure you are in good standing to conceive and carry a child. You will take blood tests to check for STIs (sexually transmitted infections), a pap smear to check for cancer, and a pelvic exam to assess your reproductive organs like the uterus and ovaries. All of these screenings will give your doctor a comprehensive understanding of your overall health and will be able to navigate your prenatal counseling around the results of these tests.
You might be screened for intimate partner violence, or IPV, as well. This issue relates to any type of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse by current or past partners. IPV can lead to pregnancy coercion, where the woman feels pressured by her partner to get pregnant, even though she’s not wanting to. Our women’s health team wants to ensure you are 100% on board and ready to conceive and that you feel safe in your home.
Planning Your Conception Timeline and Fertility Windows
Track your menstrual cycle to see when you’re most fertile (most likely to get pregnant). A woman’s menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 and 35 days (28 days being the most typical). In that time, she experiences 4 different phases brought on by hormonal changes: menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Menstruation is the time of the month when you get your period. Ovulation is about 12-14 days from when your period starts and is when your body is at peak fertility. This window lasts about 7 days and includes the first 5 days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and one day after.
If your period is irregular, you can’t always depend on watching the calendar as a suitable method for tracking fertility. Another way you can follow your ovulation is to check your vaginal mucus. When you’re ovulating, the mucus will have a creamy consistency and is usually wet, off -white, and smooth. Please note that if you are experiencing irregular periods, you should talk to your doctor, as this might indicate a hormonal imbalance.
When to Start Seeing a Doctor
When you and your partner think you’re ready to start trying for a baby, schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN. Your fi rst appointment should be at least 3 months out from when you plan to start trying, ensuring you can discuss any health concerns or dos and don’ts with your doctor.
Our services span all levels of prenatal and maternity care. Schneck OB/GYN and Women’s Health off er a specialized approach to all areas of preconception. Once you conceive, our Family Life Center is your support through all phases of pregnancy and early motherhood, including labor and delivery and postpartum.
Find Support to Grow Your Family
Experience hands-on, personalized care as you prepare to bring new life into the world. We are excited to walk alongside you as you enter a new chapter of your life. If you’re considering trying for a baby, please reach out to our team today to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
When seeking support, rely on your nearby professionals at Schneck. We provide assistance to empower you in taking control of your well-being at all life stages. Explore valuable expertise in connected blogs.
