5 Ways to Prep Your Body for Pregnancy
Years before you think to get pregnant, the health of your future baby/babies will be direct result of the way you care for your body. Yes, guys too. Let’s put it this way, if you bought a brand new car, oh I don’t know…think of your dream car. If you’re not a car person, (i’m not), think of a pet. Imagine giving the brand new favorite care water, where gas belongs. Or think of giving your new kittens foods that were not optimal in the growth their little bodies. Why would we do that? We love something we want to care for it right? Same with our bodies. Now I’ll be the first to admit that I was not kind to my body and when i conceived, it was unplanned. By the time we new we wanted to conceive baby #2, we both were fully aware of what our bodies were taking in. Awareness is key here. Now, I know that story is quite privileged now a days with infertility running the streets. But what if we could use simple tools to help optimize our body as a habitat for a new human?
Let’s look at a few simple things we can do here:
1. Start taking quality prenatal vitamins: Now you will see on the socials that many women are forgoeing prenatal vitamins because they’re eating different types of bioavailable foods. Not everyone has access to these nor is everyone able to eat this way on a daily basis. As a public health educator, birth doula, and midwifery assistant, I highly suggest finding and taking a prenatal vitamin that is free of fillers and synthetic forms of nutrients. DIET FIRST is priority, however, prenatal vitamins contain important nutrients like folate, iron, and calcium that are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Taking them before you conceive can help prepare your body for pregnancy and reduce the risk of birth defects. There are a few that I recommend that have been vetted by doctors and healthcare practitioners like me right here in my apothecary.
2. Maintain a healthy diet: DIET IT KEY. Healthy fats, Choline, Magnesium, ALL these are incredibly important for the promotion of healthy environment. I really enjoyed Real Food for Pregnancy which you can grab here. It’s by Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE. I really like Functional Maternity as well by Sarah Thompson. All this to say, a healthy diet is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains can provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
3. Exercise regularly: Moving your body is cruuuucial, like i cannot stress this enough. It has the ability to maintain your blood pressure, blood sugars, and a host of other things like circulation and sleep. Not to mention as you approach third trimester, we can optimize baby’s positioning in the pelvis with movement. Movement is magic. It’s free. No excuses. Regular exercise can help prepare your body for the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for fertility and overall health.
4. Get enough sleep: When you sleep magic happens. No seriously, cellular healing, digestive repair, so many amazing things to optimize fertility and even a healthy pregnancy. Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and well-being. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to help regulate your hormones and prepare your body for pregnancy. If you need help with homeopathy or herbal recommendations for sleep, reach me here.
5. Reduce stress: Chronic stress can impact hormone function in addition to many other functions of the body. I should know. And i will tell me thyroid story later :) However, yes, stress can negatively affect fertility and increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Practicing relaxation techniques like prayer, slow smooth movements, stretching, Pilates, etc, or deep breathing can help reduce stress and prepare your body for pregnancy. Try journaling, writing, or creative expressions on how you can reduce stress. The world is your oyster.
I hope this helps and as always I’m here if you need me,
XO, Gi