Where do I even begin with this one? It feels like there are a million and one things that have to be done before considering trying for pregnancy. In this post, I’m going to highlight my top 10 things you should consider before becoming pregnant so that it (hopefully) doesn’t feel so overwhelming.

1. Book a doctor’s appointment
2. Focus on your nutrition
3. Manage chronic conditions (ie. diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, etc)
4. Start taking a prenatal supplement
5. Exercise regularly
6. Stop using tobacco, recreational drugs, and alcohol
7. Consider your mental health
8. Minimize exposure to toxins
9. Review all current medications to ensure they are safe for pregnancy
10. Discuss family planning and future goals with your partner

Book a Doctor’s Appointment

Have your doctor assess your current physical health status and get up to date blood work so that you can address anything that may impact fertility.

Focus on Nutrition

Maintain a balanced diet, or adjust where needed. Focus on essential nutrients for pregnancy (ie. folic acid, iron, calcium, etc) and if needed, consult a professional.

Manage Chronic Conditions

Identify, manage, and control chronic medical conditions that could impact pregnancy (ie. diabetes, hypertension, thyroid).

Start Taking a Prenatal

Find a prenatal vitamin that meets your unique needs and begin taking it consistently. Speak with a professional if you are unsure of what your unique needs are.

Exercise Regularly

Engage in regular exercise that promotes overall health and fitness. Ideally this exercise incorporates movement that is enjoyable and challenges you.

Quit Smoking, Recreational Drugs, and Alcohol Use

Smoking, using recreational drugs and the consumption of alcohol can negatively impact fertility and pose risk to fetal health and development.

Consider Your Mental Health

Identify, address, and manage mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress as a way to support your emotional well being as you enter pregnancy.

Reduce Exposure to Toxins

Minimize your exposure to environmental toxins (ex. pesticides, food additives, chemicals, etc) that could pose a risk during pregnancy.

Look at Current Medications

Review all medications that you are currently taking and ensure they are safe to take while pregnant. Speak to a professional if you are unsure.

Family Planning

Discuss family planning goals and timing of pregnancy with your partner and healthcare team. Decide what kind of prenatal care you are interested in and seek out advice on topics you are feeling unsure about.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my top 10 things to do before pregnancy that I hope will make life a little easier for you. These are suggestions that will help you enter into pregnancy from an improved mental, physical, and emotional state. Preparing your body, your partner/family, and your lifestyle are important steps that you should consider prior to conception. These 10 things will not only benefit you but will also support the growth and development of a fetus when the time comes.

Consider speaking with a professional, such as a registered holistic nutritionist (like myself!!) who can help you prepare for pregnancy with nutritional guidance, educate you on how your current diet and lifestyle may be impacting chronic conditions/mental health, refer you to other trusted healthcare practitioners if necessary, and be there to support you as you navigate this new journey ahead. If you are interested in booking your FREE discovery call with me head over to my website https://sarahsajnovic.ca and fill out the contact form. Alternatively, email me at sarah.sajnovic@gmail.com with any questions or to ask about my services and specialized packages for preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. I can’t wait to work with you!