How I Prepared for Pregnancy
Pregnancy has always been pretty scary to me so I wanted to do everything I could to prepare in advance. Edison and I would frequently discuss our timeline for when we wanted to start trying, and worked backwards from there on things we could do to prepare. It also helped me prepare mentally for getting pregnant by doing things to get myself and my body ready for pregnancy.
Stop Birth Control
If you're on hormonal birth control, stop birth control pills to allow your period to return to normal. Ideally you will have at least one normal cycle before trying to conceive. Keep in mind that some people take up to a year for their period to return to normal after stopping birth control. In my case, my period did not return to normal even after a year and I was later diagnosed with PCOS. Be sure to still use other forms of birth control until you are ready to conceive.
Track Your Cycle
Track your period, your BBT, your ovulation with test strips, and your cervical fluid/position to identify the length of your cycle and your fertile window. Use an app to track, I use Ovia Fertility, or you can track manually. I started tracking my period as soon as I got off birth control, and then I added tracking ovulation, cervical fluid/position, and BBT 3 months before TTC. It's important to use multiple methods for tracking to be able to confidently determine if and when you are ovulating. I highly recommend reading Tori Weschler's Taking Charge of Your Fertility to better understand your menstrual cycle and fertility.
Improve Diet
Ideally starting 6+ months before trying, start making changes to your diet to get down to a healthy weight. Even losing 8-10 pounds before getting pregnant can be beneficial to your future pregnancy if you are overweight. Focus on eating whole foods including whole grains, veggies and fruits. Have your partner participate too. This can also be a good time to start adjusting your lifestyle by cutting down on caffeine, alcohol, and other foods that should be limited/refrained from during pregnancy.
Exercise
If you're new to working out, start by taking a walk outside with your partner or furry friend. Perform weighted exercises to build your strength. Getting into an exercise routine prior to getting pregnant can make it easier to continue being active throughout your pregnancy which can help increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy, an easier delivery, and a faster recovery postpartum. It can also help reduce stress prior to getting pregnant, which is also essential.
Switch to Clean Products
Cut out toxic substances and contaminants from your household supplies, skincare and other beauty products. Make the switch to no-plastics or BPA free plastics (i.e. Tupperware, water bottles, etc.). Evaluate your dishwashing soap, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies for toxic chemicals. Switch up your skincare, body wash, shampoo, makeup, and deodorant to pregnancy-safe products. Making this change prior to pregnancy allows you to finish the products that you have and switch them out one by one as you empty them. Check out these posts with clean skincare and makeup products to use during pregnancy!
Take a Prenatal Vitamin
Make sure it has folic acid in it, vs folate. Ideally starting this at least 3+ months ahead of conception. See my list of prenatal vitamins, including the one I chose. Ensure your partner is on a multivitamin as well. Check out my roundup of prenatal vitamins.
Schedule a Doctor's Visit
This is a good time to schedule a physical to ensure you are in good health. They can check to make sure you are up to date on vaccines. Go in for a well woman exam, this will also be a good time to establish care with an OBGYN or midwife. Even if everything is fine, getting blood work done can give you peace of mind and is covered by insurance if part of your annual physical. Have your partner schedule an appointment as well. If your periods are irregular or if you have another health concern, don't wait to discuss with your doctor.
Prepare Financially
Adjust your FSA/HSA balance. Review your insurance policy. If applicable, take a look at how much you are allocating to your Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). You may be able to use this money towards some items needed for pregnancy or post pregnancy. If FSA, make sure you don't allocate too much - you lose what you don't spend every year. See my list of items that you can buy with FSA. If you work, review your company's maternity/paternity leave policies. Start saving for baby, including an emergency fund.
Decrease Your Stress
Stress can have a big impact on trying to conceive and your pregnancy, so do what you can to relax! Staying active can help, but take a look at what causes the stress in your life and figure out ways to reduce that stress or an outlet to relieve some stress. If you have an extremely stressful job, ask yourself if a switch to a less stressful job is something you should (and can) consider. Prioritize sleep and your physical and mental well being. Go on date nights with your partner and try to focus on other things besides getting pregnant and enjoying your time as a couple or with your kids before a baby.
Schedule Your Other Appointments
Schedule your dentist appointment to make sure your teeth and gum health are in good shape. Book that hair salon appointment to get your color refreshed. Book a facial or dermatologist appointment. The first trimester can be tough, so it's best to get these "errands" done while you have the time and energy. Certain appointments may have restrictions for pregnancy as well, so getting these appointments in ahead of your pregnancy can avoid needing to make modifications.
