7 Tips for Getting Your Body Ready for Pregnancy

Are you thinking about growing your family? Now is the time to start getting your body ready, so you and your future baby can enjoy your best possible health. From dietary changes to cycle tracking, here’s what you can start doing today.

Are you thinking about getting pregnant soon? The decision to grow your family is a big one. Bringing a child into the world is undoubtedly a life-changing experience — and as you prepare to embark on this journey, you probably have a lot of questions.

Many women wonder what they can start doing now to increase their chances of getting pregnant and get their bodies ready for pregnancy. Our team at South Valley Women's Health Care can help.

Preparing your body before conception helps lay the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. That’s why we offer comprehensive family planning and pre-pregnancy counseling in Bluffdale, Utah.

If you’re hoping pregnancy is in your future, here are seven essential tips to help you get ready.

1. Eat a balanced diet

Proper nutrition is essential for optimal health, and it becomes extra important when you’re pregnant. Start now by incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats into your diet.

Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, and limit processed foods and sugary snacks. If you’re not sure where to start, our team can help you create a meal plan tailored to your needs.

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Being either underweight or overweight can adversely affect your fertility and increase your risk of complications during pregnancy. Strive to achieve a healthy weight by making mindful food choices and engaging in regular physical activity.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. And remember to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program — especially if you’re already pregnant.

3. Address any existing health issues

Many common health conditions, like diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disorders, can negatively impact your fertility. That means it’s important to proactively manage any existing health issues to help get yourself ready for pregnancy.

We recommend working closely with your health care team to manage these chronic conditions, optimize your health for pregnancy, and lower your risk of pregnancy complications.

4. Cut back on vices

You might know that smoking and alcohol consumption are dangerous when you’re pregnant, but did you know these habits can also reduce fertility in both men and women? If you and your partner are trying to conceive, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake can improve your chances. Seek support from friends, family, or our team if you need help quitting.

5. Track your menstrual cycle

Understanding your menstrual cycle is one of the best ways to boost your chances of getting pregnant. Use a fertility tracker or app to monitor the length of your cycle, as well as changes in cervical mucus and basal body temperature to pinpoint your most fertile days. This information can help you time intercourse to coincide with ovulation, which is when you’re most likely to get pregnant.

6. Take prenatal vitamins

If you’re thinking about trying to get pregnant, now is the time to start taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects in developing fetuses, and most women don’t get enough of this nutrient through diet alone.

Along with folic acid, prenatal vitamins typically contain other essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin D, to support maternal and fetal health.

7. Consider pre-pregnancy counseling

Looking for more ways to get ready for pregnancy? Schedule a pre-pregnancy consultation with our team at South Valley Women's Health Care. Every individual's journey to parenthood is unique, and we offer personalized advice to help you get there.

During pre-pregnancy counseling, we review your medical history, assess your current health status, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have about conceiving and pregnancy. We'll work with you to identify any potential risk factors or areas for improvement and provide personalized recommendations to help you prepare for pregnancy.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources you need to optimize your health and fertility, ultimately increasing your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Whether you're just starting to think about growing your family or have been trying to conceive for some time, pre-pregnancy counseling can provide valuable guidance and support.