There’s more to a healthy pregnancy than the meet-up of an egg and a sperm. Here are our Top 10 Preconception Planning Tips to get you started down the right path.
1. Stop Your Birth Control Ahead of Time.
If you’ve been using birth control for a while (like since high school), it may take a few cycles for your body to start ovulating (to release eggs from your ovaries) in a predictable pattern.
Get Wise about birth control and your fertility.
2. Start Taking a Prenatal Vitamin That Contains at Least 400 Micrograms (mcg) of Folic Acid.
Insider Info: ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) says the average pregnant woman should take a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per dose.1 Some doctors and organizations (like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) recommend higher daily doses of folic acid for the average pregnant woman. And women with certain risk factors—such as carrying more than one baby, taking anti-seizure medications, or having previously given birth to a baby with a neural tube defect—should take even higher amounts of folic acid. Talk to your doctor to determine the right dose for you.
3. Think About Your Eating and Exercise Habits.
Know what Foods & Exercises to Avoid During Pregnancy. Check out our Pregnancy PediaGuide for answers to these questions and more!
4. Review Your Family History.
If any hereditary diseases run in your family (or in your partner’s family), consider seeing a geneticist prior to getting pregnant. In addition, ask your doctor if there are any inherited diseases that you and your partner are more likely to pass on to your baby based on your (respective) ethnicities.
5. Make a List of the Medications That You’re Taking (Including Supplements!).
Why? Because some medications (and supplements) are off limits during pregnancy.
6. Get a Handle on Any Chronic Medical Issues That You Have.
If you have a chronic medical condition (such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, a thyroid issue, or a mental health problem), try to get it under control before you get pregnant.
Why? Because the disease (and the medications that you’re taking for it) could affect your pregnancy. Things don’t have to be perfect, but it’s important for your OB/GYN and your regular doctor to be on the same page.
7. Lay Off the Booze, Nicotine, and Drugs.
Secondhand smoke counts, too. You may want to cut down on caffeine as well. I know, sorry!
A Word About Secondhand Smoke: Research shows that exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies (pregnancies outside the uterus) and miscarriages.2 Secondhand smoke can also cause babies to have low birth weights.
A Word About Caffeine: The jury is still out on the effects of caffeine on fertility and on the developing baby.
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG), therefore, recommends that pregnant women and women trying to conceive limit their caffeine intake to 200 milligrams (mg) per day.3 This is the equivalent of two 8-ounce cups of coffee (depending on how strongly they’re brewed).
PediaTip: If you’re in the habit of crushing a ton of caffeine, wean down slowly to prevent rebound headaches.
Remember too, that coffee isn’t the only source of caffeine. There’s caffeine (to a lesser degree) in tea, (certain) soft drinks, and chocolate.
8. Make Sure That Your Immunizations Are Up to Date.
Your OB/GYN will likely recommend the flu shot (if it’s flu season), the COVID vaccine (or booster), and the Tdap vaccine (between 28-32 weeks). Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. They may also recommend the new RSV vaccine during RSV season.
9. Figure Out Your “Fertile Window” (The Time of Month When You’re Most Fertile). Get Wise About How to Do This Here.
10. Have Sex!
Note: If you’re going the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) route, Get Wise about it here.
Bonus Tip: Be Kind to Yourself!
Women often have a lurking fear that they won’t be able to get pregnant, especially if it’s taking them a while to conceive. That’s just where the mind tends to go. Instead of following these thoughts, try stress-reducing practices such as yoga and acupuncture (which actually help improve fertility).4
The Bottom Line
Follow the tips above to maximize your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
