I Want to Prepare My Body for a Healthy Pregnancy
When preparing to have a baby, some people may become pregnant within a few months, while for others it may take longer. If possible, visit your primary care provider or OB/GYN for a checkup before trying to conceive. There are steps both men and women can take before and between pregnancies to support their health and create the best environment for a healthy pregnancy. If you are thinking about having a baby, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following eight steps:
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1
- Track your ovulation cycle.
- Discuss your current contraception methods with your healthcare provider.
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date.
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2
- Review your list of medications.
- Communicate any fertility concerns from your personal or family health history.
- Ask your doctor about getting tested for any STD/STI’s, for both you and your partner. Explore genetic testing options if necessary.
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3
- Check the nutrition facts label on prenatal vitamins or multivitamins.
- Eat dark green vegetables regularly, such as spinach, romaine, broccoli and asparagus.
- Eat legumes regularly, including beans, peas and lentils.
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4
- Set specific, realistic and measurable goals around your changing health behaviors.
- Seek accountability and support from people around you who influence these behaviors.
- Consider a new healthy behavior to replace less healthy habits.
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5
- Wear a mask when handling chemicals, including household cleaning supplies and lawn pesticides.
- Ask someone else to change cat litter.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly right before eating.
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6
- Aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
- Park farther from building entrances to increase your daily step count.
- Find ways to move that bring you joy.
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7
- Gather information about health conditions from immediate family members for you and your partner.
- Learn if any family members have experienced infertility.
- Explore genetic testing to learn about health risks that could be inherited.
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8
- Do not stop medications for mental health before discussing options with your provider.
- Identify one to two actions that help you reduce stress.
- Talk with your provider about changes in your mood.
Marijuana is a Schedule 1 controlled substance and should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Learn more about the effects of marijuana on pregnancy and breastfeeding..
Helpful Resources
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Vitamins & Minerals Nutrition for Healthy Growth & Development
- Changes During Pregnancy (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- Changes During Pregnancy (pdf)
- Preconception Checklist/Steps (pdf) (Center for Disease Control)
- Nutrition During Pregnancy | ACOG
- Vitamins and other nutrients during pregnancy | March of Dimes
- Healthy Pregnancy: Get The Facts (pdf)