How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

Got baby fever? Once you’ve decided it’s time to have a baby, you need to prepare your body for pregnancy. You never know when conception will occur, so prepare immediately to ensure as healthy a pregnancy and baby as possible.



Swimming is great exercise for pregnancy.
(Swimsuit from Motherhood Maternity.)



Talk to your doctor about your medical profile. It’s important to know of conditions and medications that may complicate getting pregnant or may endanger your baby. Be sure you completely know your medical family history as well. Then see an ob/gyn (obstetrician/gynecologist) for a physical and to discuss your medical profile and pregnancy.

Take care of all important medical procedures, such as updating immunizations and going to the dentist.

Start taking prenatal vitamins. Right at conception your body will have all the vitamins and minerals it needs, especially folic acid, to grow a healthy baby. Also consider taking calcium (Baby takes a lot) and vitamin B6 for nausea.

Improve your diet and lifestyle. Eat out less, cook from scratch often, and eat healthful foods, such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of protein (nuts are a great healthy protein snack). Drink plenty of water; it helps with stretch marks too. Start exercising now if you don't already to limit unnecessary weight gain, prevent pain and injury, and ease labor.

Lose all habits dangerous to pregnancy: drinking, smoking, taking drugs, exposing yourself to environmental hazards, becoming stressed and sleep deprived, being abused, etc.

Good luck getting pregnant!