5 Things to do Before Trying to Conceive
Clean up your lifestyle!
While we neither want to sound like your mother nor tell you to “clean up your room,” now is a good time to take note of your habits and eliminate some of your most unhealthy ones. Although we don’t want you to throw EVERYTHING fun away, we do suggest cutting out the excesses. Maintain (or initiate) a healthy diet (the Mediterranean diet is a great place to start), improve your sleep quality by creating good sleep hygiene (going to bed and waking up around the same time each day and avoiding screen time 30 minutes before bed), and engage in regular moderate exercise. Honestly, you should be doing this anyway (do we sound like your mother yet?), so why not get the process started before your plus one is present?
2. Make sure you are taking a prenatal vitamin.
Whether you are pregnant, considering pregnancy, or are nowhere near wanting a baby, vitamins are a good thing. Despite our best efforts to maintain a well-balanced diet, we usually are missing something that might be important during pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins are chockfull of good things (for both you and your baby). Generic or prescription, brand name or basic really doesn’t matter (especially in the “trying” phase). Most have the same ingredients and are equally good at giving you what you need.
3. Establish care with an OB/GYN that you gel with.
The doctor-patient relationship is an important one, no matter what body part you are taking care of. However, the OB/GYN-patient relationship is particularly unique; they will be there when you bring life into this world! They will likely be your coach and your confidant through some pretty amazing and sometimes intense times. So while they don’t have to be your BFF, they should be someone you can see yourself spending a lot of quality time with. Also, in places in NYC, it can be hard to find an OB when you are already pregnant (they can only help so many laboring women at once!). Establishing yourself as their patient when you start trying will ensure your care once you conceive!
4. Find reliable sources for information and advice.
You will no doubt have at least several hundred questions when the process begins. When do I have intercourse? What are signs that something is off? How will I know if the pregnancy is normal? Why do I feel like this? All are totally normal! And while your doctor is there to offer advice, sometimes those questions hit in the middle of the night. Finding a good book or seeking out a reliable online source (#emwfertility) can be a smart idea.
This is also where working with a fertility acupuncturist can be a lifesaver. One of the biggest strengths of Eastern medicine is its holistic approach…meaning we don’t just focus on one body part like the uterus or ovaries, we see everything working together and treatment plans aim to make everything healthier…your sleep, digestion, immune system, etc. as well as your fertility. Working with a fertility acupuncturist in the early stages of ttc or even before trying can help regulate periods, balance hormones, strengthen ovulation, reduce PMS and menstrual cramps, as well as helping you find the right diet that works for you, improve your sleep quality if you struggle, and any other area where you may struggle. We also often act as a coach to get you through tough times and answer questions as a backup instead of Dr. Google.
5. Take a deep breath.
Even saying the words out loud: “We are ready to have a baby” can be overwhelming and frightening. Although it may take some years to get to this point while others reach it in a minute, vocalizing this statement is a big deal. The fact is, you are not alone. Finding the right support and resources can arm you with good information and help you through even the toughest times. Most of us never know how our fertility journey will unfold and don’t have any idea what to expect. Just take it one day at a time. You will get through this and maybe even have some fun along the way!