Preparing your body for pregnancy: Healthy habits to start now

Whether you’ve been struggling to conceive for months or are just starting to think about having a baby, preparing your body for pregnancy is a great way to improve your odds of having a healthy pregnancy. Our Connecticut fertility specialist, Andrew Levi, MD, works closely with all patients to optimize their health prior to conception. Pregnancy planning can also play a big role in how you feel during the critical preconception phase and during fertility treatment.

What can I do to prepare my body for pregnancy?

In addition to seeing Dr. Andrew Levi for any diagnosis and treatment you may need to conceive, taking good care of yourself during the preconception phase gets you physically and mentally ready for the demands of pregnancy and birth. Here a few tips for preparing your body for pregnancy now.

• Take prenatal vitamins. Women who want to have a baby should begin taking a high quality prenatal vitamin daily, starting at least one month before trying to conceive. This supplement is essential to prevent brain and spine birth defects in a developing baby, and should be taken daily throughout pregnancy.

• Eat a balanced diet. Now is a good time to cut junk food and focus on eating well. Non gmo and organic as best you can with a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean sources of protein, such as chicken or fish. A balanced diet nourishes your cells and helps with preparing your body for pregnancy.

• Avoid smoking, alcohol and illegal drug use. These substances are dangerous to a developing fetus. Quitting now also improves your overall health, which can improve your chances of conceiving a baby.

• Exercise regularly. Adding light exercise to your routine can increase your stamina and strength, and can help you maintain a healthy weight to improve fertility and reduce the chances of pregnancy complications. You don’t need to suddenly start weightlifting or running miles a day (though it’s fine to continue doing these kinds of exercises in most cases). Simply adding in regular walks or gentle yoga can be a beneficial part of pregnancy planning for many women.

• Rest well. Getting enough sleep is critical for good overall health and just as important as diet and exercise. Resting well is one of the most powerful, natural ways to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy. When you prioritize deep, restorative rest, you are actively nourishing your fertility from the inside out. Create a calming sleeping environment, and try relaxation techniques like meditation If need be.

Contact us for help with pregnancy planning

Our Connecticut fertility specialist believes in treating the whole person, which is why we don’t just focus on infertility treatment. We also work with you to improve your overall health as part of preparing your body for pregnancy. Contact us to learn more about how Dr. Levi can support pregnancy planning as part of your fertility care plan.