Then odds are that you haven’t started trying to get pregnant yet. You might have just begun researching so that you are ready when the time comes. Maybe you just got married and know you want to be a mom in the future, so you want to start preparing your body now, aside from just taking some cheap prenatal vitamins from the drugstore. First of all, I want to congratulate you. Preconception planning and being ready when your time comes to start a family is one of the most important and smartest things you can be doing now to prepare your body for the future. I want your journey to parenthood to be as easy as possible, so let’s get started with the five tips you should consider in your preconception planning.
What is Preconception Health?
Let’s break it down. “Pre” means before—in this case, before you start trying to get pregnant. “Conception” is the act of getting pregnant, involving intercourse and the meeting of sperm and egg to create an embryo. “Health” refers to the state of physical and mental well-being. When we put it all together, there’s a lot to consider. Preconception health incorporates many aspects to get you ready to get pregnant.
We know that physical health, mental health, lifestyle, and diet are important variables for the intending parents. These factors are not only crucial for your overall health as parents but also for the future health of your child. Fertility issues are becoming more common every year, making the act of getting pregnant not as straightforward as we might think. This video and the series overall will help you prepare your body now so that when you’re ready to get pregnant, it’s as easy as possible.
Five Tips for Preconception Planning
1. Understand That Getting Pregnant Isn’t Always Easy
Getting pregnant might not be as easy as you think or have been led to believe. Infertility is increasing, and the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), like IUI (inseminations) and IVF (in vitro fertilization), is rising by 5-10% each year. About 10% of women (6.1 million in the US) ages 15-44 have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. Poor nutrition, BMI issues, smoking, and excessive alcohol or drug use can make it harder to get pregnant when you start trying. Use this time for preconception planning to make necessary lifestyle changes.
2. Prepare for Your Pregnancy
Treat preparing for your pregnancy as the most important thing you’ve ever done. Just like training for a marathon or preparing for a significant accomplishment, this requires planning and preparation. Communicate with your partner about your family planning, how many kids you want, and what steps you need to take now to be ready when the time comes.
3. Get Tested
Both you and your partner need to get tested to understand any underlying issues. Basic lab tests for general health and reproductive health are essential. Men should start with a semen analysis, and women should undergo an HSG (to check fallopian tubes) and basic reproductive blood tests (FSH, LH, estradiol). If you have existing health issues, discuss them with your healthcare provider and get additional tests as needed. Consulting a fertility coach can also help interpret your lab results and plan accordingly.
4. Track Your Cycle
Understand your body and menstrual cycle by tracking your cycle. Basal body temperature (BBT) charting can help you understand your ovulation and overall cycle health. Track your cycle days, menstruation length, ovulation signs, and cervical mucus to get familiar with your reproductive health.
5. Develop a Preconception Plan
A preconception plan might be necessary if you identify areas that need more attention, such as pre-existing conditions or lab results that need support. My Hope Fertility Coaching Program can help you create and follow a personalized plan. Focus on key areas like diet, exercise, and necessary tests to ensure optimal health for conception.
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