Preparing for pregnancy

Pregnancy is a big life change. If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, staying healthy is key to having a healthy baby and successful pregnancy. This may require some lifestyle changes as diet, exercise, and your environment all play a role. Working with your doctor can help you navigate these changes ahead of pregnancy.

Pre-conception care is an important first step.

The first step towards a healthy pregnancy is seeing your doctor to discuss your current health, your partner’s health, family history, medical conditions, and any medications you might be taking. Preconception health care is an opportunity to discuss how all these factors can impact your pregnancy or your chances of getting pregnant.

Even if pregnancy is not on your immediate radar, speaking with your doctor can help you live your healthiest life, and embody the lifestyle changes that will lead to greater health outcomes, both for you and your baby. The CDC provides a guided checklist that can help you outline and achieve your goals pre-pregnancy.

Work with your doctor to treat any existing medical conditions and adjust medication.

Conditions like asthma, diabetes, hypertension, sexually transmitted infections, and diabetes may all affect your pregnancy. It’s best to get these under control before pregnancy.

Medications — including over the counter medication, supplements, and herbal products — may all impact pregnancy as they may have unknown or even known risks. Work with your doctor to adjust your medication as needed.

Avoid other controlled substances like tobacco smoke, alcohol, and drugs.

These can lead to serious complications and defects, like premature birth, birth defects, disabilities, or even a stillbirth. This is why doctors recommend that you quit smoking and avoid alcohol and drugs — even prescription drugs. Marijuana may also have harmful effects on your pregnancy.

Maintain a healthy body weight.

Women who are overweight or underweight may have an increased risk of complications during pregnancy.

Being overweight may increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, miscarriage or still birth. Being underweight may affect fertility or lead to lower birth weight or anemia.

The goal is to reach close to your ideal body weight before pregnancy, and this weight will differ for everyone. Diet and exercise can help you reach that goal.

Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

A balanced diet often consists of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and healthy fats.

When you’re trying to get pregnant, extra vitamins and minerals like folic acid can help your fetus grow and develop. Taking prenatal vitamins 3 months before trying to get pregnant can help you fill nutritional gaps.

Plus, low-impact exercise for at least 150 minutes a week is recommended before, during, and after pregnancy.

Maintain a stress-free environment, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Minimizing stress improves your mental health which will help you cope with the body changes that come with pregnancy.

Anxiety and stress are a part of normal life, but if you’re experiencing persistent stress or symptoms of anxiety or depression, it might be time to seek treatment. An abusive or violent environment can also contribute to stress. Speaking with your doctor can help you through it.

In your physical environment, avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and contaminants like paints, fertilizers, bug sprays, and pesticides as these may affect your reproductive system.

How and when can you get pregnant?

With frequent sex and no birth control, most couples trying to conceive do so within a year. But the actual amount of time it takes to get pregnant differs for everyone. The age and health of you and your partner can affect fertility. Some women may take longer to conceive and may need help getting pregnant.

Many people wonder when is the best time to get pregnant.

Having sex 3 to 4 days before ovulation is recommended, as sperm can live in the genital tract for up to 5 days. Frequent sex every 1 to 2 days also helps, instead of only timing your sex to ovulation.

How do you know when you’re ovulating?

If you have a regular menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs around the 14-day mark of a 28-day cycle. But this differs for everyone, so tracking your cycle and natural family planning can help. Ovulation also comes with a small rise in body temperature that can be detected with a thermometer.

You may also notice clearer, more slippery cervical mucus, which makes it easier for the sperm to travel towards the egg. Mucus acts as a natural lubricant that decreases friction and makes sex more comfortable.

Does vaginal lubricant affect fertility?

If you choose to use vaginal lubricant, avoid olive oil, saliva, and water-based lubricants like Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, and K-Y Touch, as these may impact sperm motility.

Instead opt for canola oil, mineral oil, or hydroxyethylcellulose-based lubricants like Pre-Seed or ConceivEase if needed.

Preconception care is just a click away.

If you’re ready to journey towards pregnancy, Alpha can help you along the way. All you have to do is sign up online, complete a consultation, and our licensed providers will review your information and get back to you with personalized advice and a treatment plan. Get started today!