What To Do Before Trying To Get Pregnant

If you're ready to start a family, you may be feeling excited, but also a bit overwhelmed. Trying to conceive can be a complex process, especially if you've spent most of your reproductive years actively preventing pregnancy.

Stop Birth Control

The first thing I recommend is to stop any birth control you're currently using, whether that's the pill, an IUD, the Depo Provera shot, or another method. You should come off birth control about 3 months before you want to start trying to conceive. This gives your body time to return to its natural cycle so you can get a sense of your own unique patterns and rhythms. Some people find their cycles are irregular after stopping birth control, which could indicate an underlying issue like PCOS that may require medical intervention.

Lifestyle Changes

When trying to conceive, key lifestyle changes include taking a prenatal vitamin with omega-3s, vitamin D, and Folic Acid, following a nutrient-dense, plant-based diet, and avoiding substances like smoking, vaping, and excessive alcohol that can negatively impact fertility. Getting adequate sleep and reducing exposure to environmental toxins are also important steps to prepare your body for pregnancy. Making these proactive lifestyle adjustments before conception can help support your fertility and set the stage for a healthy pregnancy..

Cycle Tracking

Once you've stopped birth control, it's time to start tracking your cycle. This can be done through a variety of methods, including monitoring your basal body temperature, checking your cervical mucus, or using ovulation predictor kits. Tracking your cycle helps you identify your most fertile days each month, when you're most likely to conceive. Keep in mind that "regular" cycles can vary quite a bit from person to person. A normal cycle is considered anywhere from 21 to 35 days. But for you, a regular cycle is one that occurs at the same interval, within 1-2 days, every month. Cycles that fluctuate widely from month to month, even if they average out to a "normal" length, may indicate an underlying fertility issue.

Address Medical Conditions

In addition to tracking your cycle, it's important to address any medical conditions that could interfere with conception. Problems with intercourse, irregular periods, or a history of reproductive health concerns should all be evaluated by a fertility specialist. Don't be afraid to seek help if you don't get pregnant within a year of trying (or 6 months if you're over 35). Fertility specialists can run tests, identify any underlying causes, and create a personalized treatment plan to get you on the path to pregnancy.

Preconception Visit

Before you start trying, it's also a good idea to schedule a preconception visit with your OBGYN. This allows them to review your medical history, check that you're taking the right prenatal vitamins and supplements, and identify any potential issues or risk factors that should be addressed. Common recommendations include taking a prenatal with omega-3s and getting adequate vitamin D.

Remember, every person's fertility journey is unique. Try not to compare yourself to others or get discouraged if it takes longer than expected. Stay patient and advocate for your health.