Hey there, it’s Brydee! As a mum who’s been through the ups and downs of preparing for pregnancy, I know how overwhelming it can be. But trust me, taking care of your health is super important, whether you’re trying to conceive or just living your best life. When you’re gearing up for a baby, being in the best possible shape can boost your chances of getting pregnant and lower any risks during pregnancy. And guess what? The World Health Organisation (WHO) even says preconception health care is crucial for all women of reproductive age, just in case of those surprise pregnancies.
Did you know? A 2018 survey by Tommy’s found that while 67% of people plan for three or more months for a holiday, only 20% plan that long for a pregnancy.
So, if you’re thinking of trying for a baby, start prepping at least three months before you begin. Why? It takes about 90 days for eggs to mature and for sperm to form. Here are 12 things you can do to get baby-ready:
1. Track Your Menstrual Cycles
Get to know your menstrual cycle and jot down any symptoms over a few months. This will help you find out when you’re most fertile and have the best chance of getting pregnant. If you’ve been on hormonal contraception, it might take some time for your cycles to normalise.
2. Get a Pre-Pregnancy Health Check-Up
Knowing where your health stands is key. Some conditions can affect your chances of getting pregnant and your baby’s health. If you have any pre-existing conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before trying to conceive.
Also, not all medications are safe for pregnancy. Review any prescriptions or supplements you’re taking with your doctor. If you’ve had complications in a past pregnancy, bring it up too—it’ll help your doctor plan a supportive preconception health care path.
3. Check Your Hormones
Hormones regulate your menstrual cycle and play a big role in your overall health. Imbalances can mess with your ovulation. If you’re curious, tailored at-home tests can give you insights into your hormone levels and fertility.
4. Stay on Top of Routine Screening
Make sure your vaccinations and regular screenings, like cervical and sexual health screenings, are up to date. Untreated STIs can affect your fertility and the baby’s health. If you think you might be at risk, get tested and treated before trying to get pregnant.
5. Preconception Nutrition
Eating a balanced diet is crucial. You’re preparing for a big journey, so nourish your body! Being a healthy weight reduces pregnancy risks. If you’re struggling to reach a healthy weight, a talk with your doctor or a nutritionist can help.
Iron needs increase during pregnancy, so consider eating more iron-rich foods like meat, beans, and leafy greens. To boost iron absorption, pair it with vitamin C-rich foods like orange juice.
6. Get Moving
Moderate exercise can benefit your pregnancy and might make delivery easier. But don’t overdo it! Excessive exercise can disrupt your menstrual cycle. A balanced workout routine can help manage stress and improve sleep.
7. Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Begin taking folic acid at least three months before trying. It reduces the risk of neural tube defects. In the UK, a Vitamin D supplement is often recommended due to low sunlight levels.
8. Cut Out Bad Habits
Smoking, drinking, and taking recreational drugs can harm your fertility and your baby’s health. If quitting smoking is tough, seek support from resources like NHS Smokefree.
9. Check Your Emotional Well-Being
Preparation can be stressful. Keep an eye on your emotional health because too much stress can affect your fertility. Practice self-care with activities like meditation, exercise, or journaling.
10. Review Your Environment
Some environmental pollutants and chemicals can impact fertility and baby health. Check if household or workplace chemicals are safe and avoid exposure where possible.
11. Don’t Forget Oral Health
Good oral hygiene is important for overall health and can impact pregnancy outcomes. Book that dentist appointment you’ve been putting off!
12. Include Your Partner
If you’re on this journey with a male partner, both of you should take steps to improve your chances of conceiving. Check out the NHS guide to preconception health for men for tips.
Ready for the Journey?
Preparing for pregnancy can seem like a lot, but taking these steps can make a big difference. You’ve got this, and remember, I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way. Wishing you all the best on your path to parenthood!
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