Preparing for Pregnancy: 5 Essential Habits for a Healthy Journey to Motherhood in Sacramento County

Thinking about growing your family here in Sacramento County? The journey to motherhood starts long before you see a positive pregnancy test. Taking a proactive approach to your health before conceiving is one of the most powerful ways to protect both you and your future baby. 

At Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom, our team, led by Dr. Timothy Phelan, MD, FACOG, is here to guide you through this exciting transition. 

From our office in Folsom, California, we provide comprehensive pregnancy care and obstetrics services to people throughout Sacramento County. Here are five habits you can start practicing today to prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy.

1. Start taking folic acid daily

Taking a daily folic acid supplement is the single most effective way to prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that anyone capable of becoming pregnant take 0.4 to 0.8 mg of folic acid daily. 

Because the baby's neural tube closes in the first 28 days of pregnancy — often before you even know you're pregnant — starting this habit at least one month before trying to conceive is crucial.

2. Prioritize your mental health and manage stress

Managing your mental well-being before conceiving reduces the risk of preterm birth and supports a healthier pregnancy. 

Many people don't realize that pre-existing mental health conditions can impact birth outcomes. According to a study published in BMJ Open, women with pre-existing mental health disorders have a 41% higher risk of preterm birth. 

In Sacramento County, the baseline preterm birth rate is already 9.4%, according to the March of Dimes. If you take medications like SSRIs for depression, don't stop them abruptly. Untreated depression is often the primary driver of pregnancy complications. 

We can help you safely manage your mental health as you prepare.

3. Optimize your blood sugar levels

Achieving healthy blood sugar levels before pregnancy protects your developing baby from early congenital heart defects. High blood sugar during the first few weeks of fetal development can cause serious complications. 

Working with our team to check your A1c and optimize your nutrition before conceiving ensures your body is in the best possible state to support early organ development.

4. Focus on sustainable health

Building sustainable lifestyle habits is more beneficial for a successful live birth than rapid weight loss. While reaching a healthier weight can improve your ovulation and make it easier to conceive, crash dieting isn't the answer. 

Studies show that preconception weight loss interventions increase clinical pregnancy rates, but they don't lower miscarriage rates. Instead of focusing on arbitrary scale numbers, focus on eating nutrient-dense foods and staying active to build a strong foundation for your pregnancy.

5. Get your partner involved in preconception health

Paternal health plays a massive role in conception and pregnancy, making preconception habits a team effort. 

Healthy pregnancies require healthy sperm. Male factor issues contribute to up to half of all cases of infertility. Because sperm take about 72 days to mature, your partner's habits directly impact the genetic health of the embryo. 

Encourage your partner to join you in adopting healthy habits.

Start your journey today

Preparing your body for pregnancy is an exciting first step toward motherhood. Our compassionate team at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom is ready to support you with personalized prenatal care & delivery planning. 

To start your journey with expert guidance, schedule a consultation with our team today.