Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy: 5 Habits to Pick Up

Few things are more powerful in a woman’s life than preparing for motherhood. With so much to think about and so many tasks to manage, it can feel a bit overwhelming. But taking the time to prepare your body for pregnancy helps ease your journey toward motherhood. 

Residents in and around Folsom, California, have a trusted partner in obstetric care in Timothy Phelan, MD. Through his work at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom, Dr. Phelan helps women do all they can to enjoy their pregnancies and reduce the risk of complications for both mothers and children. 

Schedule visits with your primary care provider and OB/GYN

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your body for pregnancy is to schedule a visit with both your primary care physician and your OB/GYN. During your health check-up, your practitioner reviews your vaccination record to ensure you have the protection you need. 

They also assess your overall health, looking for any indication that you might have a challenging pregnancy. Your blood pressure, blood sugar, and other metrics provide a clear picture of your current health. This is especially important if you’re living with one or more types of chronic disease. 

During your pre-pregnancy visits, you have the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns, as well as explore childbirth birth planning options. There’s no better place to turn than the team at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom for all of your women’s health needs.  

Take a close look at your diet

A healthy diet is always important, but never more so than as you plan to take on nourishing another human being. Take a close and critical look at your diet, and try to find areas where you can make meaningful improvements. 

Take steps to avoid highly processed foods and replace them with nutrient-dense meals and snacks. It might help to acknowledge that the foods you choose during pregnancy can both ease your labor and delivery process, and also provide the nourishment your little one needs to develop and thrive. 

Eliminate common health threats

Modern living is rife with toxins and substances that threaten our health and wellness. When it comes to pregnancy, you want to limit your exposure to these dangers. 

Alcohol is a good place to begin. The scientific community is in agreement that there’s no room for alcohol during pregnancy. If you enjoy beer, wine, or mixed drinks, put a plan in place to taper off drinking in the months leading up to your pregnancy. Then it will be easier to stop drinking altogether while you’re expecting. 

Other things to avoid include:

• Smoking or other tobacco use
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Harsh chemicals
• Poor air quality
• Recreational drugs

If you’re taking medication, be sure to share the details with your OB/GYN to ensure there are no potential pregnancy-related complications. 

Plan for restful, restorative sleep

Getting enough sleep is a critical part of a healthy pregnancy. But the quality of your sleep is just as important as the quantity. Many of us let our sleep quality decline over the years, focusing instead on the obligations of school, career, family, and community. 

Pregnancy is a time to embrace a certain degree of selfishness. Make your sleep a priority, and take steps to enhance your rest. For some, this might mean investing in a special pregnancy pillow to create a more comfy sleep position. For others, it means setting a specific bedtime routine and wake-up schedule. 

Fill the gaps with supplements

If you’re like many people, you probably aren’t getting an ideal mix of nutrients from food sources alone. Even those who eat well can have gaps in their nutrition. Supplements are an easy way to give your body the nourishment it needs at the cellular level. 

Your OB/GYN can guide you toward the supplements that are right for you. Blood testing finds deficiencies, allowing you to further customize your supplementation routine. Adding high-quality supplements to your daily nutrition can enhance your sleep and give you more energy throughout the day. 

Best wishes on your journey to motherhood

The team at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom would like to be among the first to congratulate you on your decision to bring a new baby into your family. As you move through the planning stages, we’re here to help.

Book your pre-pregnancy visit online or call the office at 916-984-7428 during normal business hours to check appointment availability.