7 Ways to Prepare Your Body for a Healthy Pregnancy

Pregnancy isn’t for the weak. It takes a strong and powerful woman to grow and nourish a baby for nine months — and preparing for that process should start from the first moment you decide you’re ready for a baby.

At Trusted Women’s Health Center, our experienced OB/GYN, Sidiq Aldabbagh, MD, and patient-focused team guide women every stage of pregnancy in our Kendall and Miami, Florida, offices. We’re here to help you with all your pregnancy prep and support you through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and new motherhood. 

Some of the most common questions we hear from our patients focus on how to get ready for a healthy pregnancy. Keep reading to learn our top seven recommendations.

Eating for excellent health

Good nutrition is so important during pregnancy because you’re nourishing both yourself and your little one. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends following MyPlate recommendations during pregnancy. 

For example, make sure your plate contains half fruits and veggies and half proteins and grains. Avoid empty calories. While it’s fine to enjoy a few indulgences from time to time, try to focus on nourishment instead of cravings.

Starting your supplements

While eating healthy foods has a great effect on moms and their babies, you need some extra nutrients as you grow a baby. Particularly important are: 

• Folic acid
• Calcium
• B vitamins
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Iron 
• Choline
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Prenatal supplements contain these and other vitamins and minerals that are especially important during pregnancy. We generally recommend one serving of prenatal vitamins daily, but it can vary based on your individual needs.

Watching your weight

If you’re at a healthy weight, your odds of conceiving a baby are higher. In addition, if you start pregnancy at a healthy weight, it reduces your risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes. 

Worried about weight management? We can help you plan for pregnancy through a weight management program.

Pumping up your physical fitness

Building up your fitness level before pregnancy can help boost your chances of conceiving. And, when you’re physically fit, all aspects of pregnancy are easier on your body, including labor and delivery. 

Aerobic exercises like brisk walking, cycling, and swimming are all popular options. Focus on moderate-intensity (not high-intensity) exercise when trying to conceive and during pregnancy.

Shrinking your stress levels

Stress is harmful at any time, but it can really take a toll when you’re trying to conceive. Some studies show that mindfulness-based stress reduction can be highly beneficial for both mom and baby during pregnancy. 

Consider starting meditation, yoga, or other mindfulness-based practices as early as possible. It can help your mind prepare for pregnancy alongside your body.

Dropping damaging habits

You already know that alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs harm your health. But, did you know they can suppress your fertility or even harm your growing baby?

We understand that it’s not always easy to make big changes overnight, so Dr. Aldabbagh is here to guide you if you need some help in this area.

Planning a preconception checkup

It’s important to start prenatal care as soon as you have a positive pregnancy test — and ideally, even before that. Once you decide you want to have a baby, schedule a preconception checkup at Trusted Women’s Health Center. 

Dr. Aldabbagh and our team can guide you through everything we’ve discussed today, and so much more, to give you an extra advantage as you prepare for pregnancy. 

If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help you have a healthy pregnancy, call our office at 786-360-4334 or reach out online now.