15 Things Everyone Should Do Before Getting Pregnant (2023)

Talk to parents before pregnancy

Experts and real-world parents agree: When you're in a partnership, it's important to talk to your future co-parent about some of the biggest parenting questions: how do you divide responsibilities with the kids, how do you plan to raise your kids, work or work at home and religious traditions before trying to conceive.

"But before freaking out over differing opinions about circumcision, public or private schools, or anything else that comes our way, remember that you can change your mind on many of these issues over time," says Rebecca. Odes and Ceridwen Morris, authors ofFrom the Hips: A Complete, Open-Minded, Uncensored, and Totally Honest Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Parenting.

"The most important thing is that couples talk about their priorities, expectations and fears throughout the process, especially before becoming pregnant."

stop your birth control

If you are using hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill, patch, ring, implant, shot, or IUD (or a long-acting non-hormonal reversible contraceptive, such as the Paraguard IUD), plan to stop before you start trying. . When to stop depends on the type of birth control you use and you should consult your doctor.

With hormonal birth control pills, you should stop taking them a few months before trying to have a baby, says Robert A. Greene, M.D., co-author ofPerfect hormonal balance for fertility.. This time gives you some time to assess your natural menstrual cycle and find out when you ovulate, which is the time of the month when you are most fertile.

If you've been on the pill for a while, your cycle may be different than the one you started with. Also, it may take a while for your hormone levels to return to normal after you stop taking the pill, but if your period is still MIA after three months, you should see your doctor.

Reduce overall substance use

Drinking, smoking and using recreational drugs while pregnant? we don't have to tell youare important prohibitions. If you're indulging before pregnancy, start cutting now before you start trying, she says.Dra. Jennifer Wider, author ofThe Survival Guide for the New Momand medical advisor to the Society for Women's Health Research in Washington, D.C.

"If you're a moderate drinker, having a few drinks on a Thursday night or the weekend, you probably don't need to change anything as long as you're sure you're not pregnant," he says. doctor Contrary. “But drinking most nights of the week or having five cocktails at once could be a bigger problem.” The same can be said for your partner. Excessive alcohol consumption has been shown to affect fertility andit can also lower sperm count.

smoking cigarettes, even casually or socially, can also affect egg and sperm quality, not to mention increased risk of congenital disorders, miscarriage, preterm labor, and other post-pregnancy conditions.

In fact, it is estimated that up to 13% of fertility problems can be caused by tobacco use.american society for reproductive medicine(ASRM), and no level of smoking or smoking is safe. Research shows that even people exposed to secondhand smoke have more trouble conceiving than those who aren't. Bottom line: There's never been a better time to break the habit and insist your partner do the same.

Also, quitting smoking or drinking cold turkey after becoming pregnant can take a toll on your system, say authors Odes and Morris. "Psychologically, if you feel like pregnancy made you 'give up' on all the things you loved, you might start to build up some resentment right away," they say. "Quitting smoking or getting into the habit of multiple margaritas is a huge achievement, so start now and let it be something you're proud of, rather than forced."

limit caffeine

If the Starbucks barista knows your order as soon as you step up to the counter, or if you can't get through your workday without four cups of French roast, "do yourself a favor and cut back on caffeine now," says Dr. wider. "Not just because studies show that too much caffeine can cause miscarriage, but because you want to avoid withdrawal after pregnancy."

FYI: Doctors disagree on how much caffeine is safe during pregnancy. most sayYou can safely consume up to 200 milligrams a day, but some recommend avoiding it altogether, especially in the first trimester.

And don't forget to factor in other common sources of caffeine, such as sodas, teas, energy drinks, and even some pain relievers. A 12-ounce can of soda or an 8-ounce cup of green or black tea can contain between 30 and 60 milligrams of caffeine. Two pills of Extra Strength Excedrin (which is the trade name for the over-the-counter combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine) are 130 milligrams.

Best Practice: Start reading labels now to see how much caffeine is in yourdiet before pregnancy.

Find your healthiest weight

If you and your doctor feel that doing so would benefit your health and your chances of losing or gaining weight, now is the time to do so.

Weight loss can not only help obese people conceive, "it will also help them have a healthier pregnancy and a birth with fewer risks and complications," says Dr. Greene. Similar,are significantly underweightmay affect your fertility and risk of complications during pregnancy.

Regardless of your height, it's good for your health and makes it more likely that you'll incorporate an exercise program into your routine now, for example. For example, go for a walk or take a pilates class a few times a week.You will keep it during and after your pregnancy..

start saving

Soon you'll start pocketing money for college, diapers, and all that baby stuff. "But even pregnancy itself can be more expensive than you think," says Katina Z. Jones, author ofThe book "Everything is ready for the baby".. Think: medical copays, maternity clothes, prenatal vitamins, etc.

"Even if you're making a little bit at a time — just $20 a paycheck — you'll feel better knowing you've established some sort of savings before trying to conceive. And if you have extra money, you can always spend it on furniture in the bedroom. nursery or other baby expenses.

Take a Pregnancy Supplement

"Any woman looking to get pregnant in the next three to six months should start taking a daily multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid," says Dr. Contrary. According to the March of Dimes, adequate intake of this B vitamin may be possible during pre and early pregnancy.Reduces brain and spinal birth defects by up to 70%.

The multivitamin itself is packed with other nutrients crucial for a healthy pregnancy, such as iron to prevent anemia and calcium for strong teeth and bones. Take the pill in the morning after brushing your teeth, or keep a bottle at work and set a reminder to take it. If you hate swallowing pills, they also come in chewable form. Starting the habit now will make it easier for you to remember when you're pregnant.

fuel in the dream

Get those zzz's now, recommends Jackie Rose, coauthor ofThe Pregnancy Guide for Girls Who Haven't Been Drinking Recently. "Sleep with your [partner] on the weekends and take naps whenever you can," says Rose.

Most of us expect sleepless nights after the baby is born, but getting a good night's sleep can be difficult too.things like heartburnGetting up to urinate and getting used to naps can get some pregnant people moving.

Getting enough sleep can even help you get pregnant faster; People who don't get enough sleep tend to have more trouble ovulating regularly than those who don't.studies show.

check your stress

Although the link is not conclusive,some researchshows that incredibly high levels of stress can delay your ability to conceive (by stopping ovulation or interfering with the embryo's ability to implant in the uterus). And if you have a type-A personality, your stress can rise even further.once you are pregnantand get ready for the baby.

"Now do an emotional review, make sure you feel calm and ready for the next phase of your life, and find what works best to help you relax," says Dr. Contrary. "Maybe it's drinking tea and watching old episodes ofsex and the City, go for a 3-mile run, or just unload your best friend. Whatever it is, if it works for you now, it will help when you're pregnant or new to mum."

Don't have a suitable tranquilizer? dr. Greene recommends keeping a journal on your nightstand and jotting down your thoughts 15 minutes before bed.studies showthat you regularly write in a journal or use otherrelaxation techniques and mindfulnessit can help you feel more optimistic and less worried.

Discover your living situation

Do you need to move for more space, a better location or for other reasons? If yes, we recommend that you do so soon. Once you've settled down, ideally somewhere you plan to stay for at least a few years, and feel comfortable in your home, you can feel more prepared for pregnancy. When you're pregnant, you certainly don't want to deal with packing, moving, renovations, lawyers, landlords, or closing if you can help it.

On the other hand, if you're happy where you live, it doesn't seem like you are.terchanging now that you are planning a family; You don't need a big multi-bedroom house in the suburbs to raise a baby. Remember ifMany young children sleep in their parents' bedroom.during the first few months, and a baby won't be any happier just because they have their own nursery and playroom. You'll have plenty of time later to make the big move if you need or want more space in the future.

rate your work

While there's no law that says you can't look for a job while you're pregnant (and, in fact, it's illegal not to hire someone just because you're pregnant), now is a better time to change jobs if you're pregnant and unhappy. .

For one, you must have worked somewhere for at least 12 months to qualify for the license.Medical and Family Leave Act (FMG), federal law requires companies with 50 or more employees to provide 12 weeks of unpaid maternity or paternity leave.

But beyond that, it's important to take a look at your 10,000-foot run, says Cathy Stahl, coauthor ofdouble set, and ask yourself the following questions: Is your work schedule okay? Is there enough flexibility to take care of the children after the baby is born? Can you handle the commute to work? Do other new parents seem happy to work at your company?

If you answered no to any of these questions, consider looking for a new job or seeing if your boss is willing to work with you to improve your job description, work location, hours, or benefits. Maybe you could hire smaller clients to cut your hours, or check in from home a few days a week if you have a particularly cruel commute.

Ask your family members about your pregnancy.

If you can, ask your mother, sisters, aunts and grandparents about the pregnancy. How long did it take to get pregnant? Were there any complications, such as preterm labor or breech presentation? Certain health problems tend to run in families, and it's a good idea to review your medical history and share any relevant information with your doctor.

But don't worry too much. Having a family member struggling with their fertility doesn't necessarily mean you'll have problems too (especially sinceFertility problems affect male partners, for). Many common female fertility problems, such as age-related poor egg quality or blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, are not hereditary. But some, like fibroids, ovarian cysts, or bleeding disorders, can run in families.

Your doctor can help you understand what issues may be affecting your fertility or pregnancy so that you can be better prepared if needed.

visit your doctor

Many experts recommendbook onePre-pregnancy checkupat least three months before trying for a baby, says Dr. Greene, especially if you don't see your doctor regularly. Your healthcare provider shouldMake sure your vaccinations are up to date., check for sexually transmitted infections (STDs), get tested for heart health issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol, and manage any chronic conditions (like diabetes, asthma or thyroid problems).

During your visit, discuss any pregnancy-related issues and make sure you are not taking any medications that could affect fertility or are unsafe during pregnancy.

Use this visit to assess your relationship with your doctor and make sure you want to continue to see your doctor after your pregnancy. (Also, check to see if they serve pregnant women; you might be surprised to learn that your gynecologist is not an obstetrician, for example.)

Do they take the time to answer your questions fully and carefully, or do they dismiss you with eye rolls or comments like "Don't you have to worry about that?" Remember that you may see this person frequently when you are pregnant and you should be able to rely on their advice at one of the most important times in your life.

Consider sending your partner, if you have one, to an internist as well. keep in mind thatMany men go to the doctor much less often.like women Regular screening tests can help determine if you have any chronic medical conditions, and your doctor can check to see if your medications may be affecting your sperm count or other fertility factors.

Don't forget the dentist

It might seem completely unrelated to fertility, but checking your teeth and gums before you get pregnant is another smart move, says Dr. Greene. More research links oral health to a healthy pregnancy;People with uncontrolled gum diseasethey are more prone to miscarriage, premature labor and pre-eclampsia.

"In fact, regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist can reduce the risk of miscarriage by up to 70%," she says. Checking your teeth now will give you time to check for gingivitis (gum disease) and get x-rays (which should be avoided during pregnancy) if you need to.

If your oral health isn't at its best, your dentist may recommend that you have a cleaning every few months.

go back to your roots

If you've dyed your hair, now is the time to start thinking about how you want to handle color while pregnant. "During pregnancy, you shouldn't have touch-ups every few weeks," says Dr. Contrary.

While there is no conclusive research showing that dyeing your hair during pregnancy is unsafe, most experts recommend minimizing exposure to chemicals, especially during the first trimester, when your major organs are growing. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor.

You can also ask your colorist how to get it back; Perhaps you could move on to lights, which generally require less maintenance and may be safer, or dyes that use fewer chemicals.