How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience, and preparing your body well in advance can make a significant difference for both you and your baby. While many focus on health only after conception, taking proactive steps months, or even years, before pregnancy can reduce risks, improve fertility, and set the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

From preconception counseling to optimizing your nutrition and addressing potential health concerns, getting your body ready for pregnancy is one of the best ways to ensure a safe and positive experience for both mother and child. Start making positive changes before you get pregnant to help prepare your body for pregnancy and give yourself a better chance of having a healthy baby.

Nova Vita Solutions

Nova Vita offers a range of services to help you prepare your body for pregnancy and optimize your health. Our nutrient infusions are designed to hydrate and replenish essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring your body has what it needs to support a healthy pregnancy. We also provide comprehensive blood labs to detect potential abnormalities or deficiencies, allowing you to address issues early in your preconception journey. Additionally, our personalized weight management program includes tirzepatide and semaglutide therapy through convenient telehealth services, helping you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Book your consultation today to get started!

Preconception Counseling

When you’re ready to start or grow your family, consider setting up preconception counseling with your doctor even if you feel you’re ready for pregnancy. Whether this is your first or third pregnancy, your doctor will help you identify and address any factors that could impact your health or your baby’s. During these sessions, your healthcare provider will cover the following key areas:

• Personal Medical History: Your provider will review chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or anemia, as these can affect your pregnancy. Managing these conditions before conception is crucial. You’ll also discuss your current medications, previous surgeries, and past pregnancies, especially if you’ve experienced complications like miscarriage. Additionally, if you are obese, your provider will recommend losing weight before pregnancy to reduce your risk of pregnancy complications.
• Family Medical History: Both maternal and paternal family medical histories will be assessed to identify any inherited conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or birth defects. This helps determine if your baby might be at risk for certain health concerns.
• Genetics: Genetic screening may be recommended to identify potential inherited disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, or Tay-Sachs disease. Early testing can help you and your provider plan accordingly. Some genetic problems can be identified by blood tests before pregnancy.
• Vaccine Status: Ensuring you’re up to date on vaccines like rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox) is essential, as these illnesses can cause severe complications during pregnancy. If you lack immunity, it’s recommended to get these vaccines at least a month before trying to conceive. Your provider may also recommend the annual flu vaccine, which is safe during all trimesters.
• Virus Exposure: Your provider will ask about any potential exposure to viruses like Zika or COVID-19, as these can pose significant health risks to both mother and baby during pregnancy.
• Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Screening: IPV, which includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, is an important topic addressed in preconception counseling. Screening for IPV ensures a safe and supportive environment for your pregnancy journey.

Routine Checkups

As part of your pregnancy health assessment, your doctor may want you to schedule routine exams (in addition to a checkup) to help identify potential issues early and ensure your body is in the best position to support a healthy pregnancy. Key exams to prioritize may include:

• Gynecological Exam: A pelvic exam and Pap smear will check for any abnormalities, infections, signs of cancer, or cervical issues that might complicate pregnancy. Your provider will also assess the health of your reproductive organs.
• STD Testing: Screening for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is essential because untreated infections can pose risks to both you and your baby. Common tests include those for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV.
• Blood Work: Routine blood tests will check for anemia, thyroid function, and other conditions that could impact pregnancy. Your provider may also test for immunity to diseases like rubella and chickenpox.
• Dental Exam: Oral health plays a surprising role in pregnancy. Gum disease has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight, so a dental check-up and cleaning are recommended before conception.
• Mammogram (if applicable): If you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer, your provider may recommend a mammogram to rule out any concerns before pregnancy.

How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

There are many ways you can make intentional lifestyle changes before pregnancy can significantly improve your overall health and create an optimal environment for your baby:

• Embrace a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet before and during pregnancy supports both you and your baby. Focus on nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Incorporate prenatal-friendly nutrients like folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for fetal development. Limit processed foods, added sugars, and excessive caffeine.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight With Physical Activity: Achieving a healthy weight and exercising regularly is important before and during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Women who are overweight may experience medical problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Women who are underweight may have babies with low birth weight.
• Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins: Begin a daily prenatal vitamin with 400 mg of folic acid at least three months before trying to conceive. Folic acid is crucial for preventing neural tube defects and supporting your baby’s early development.
• Avoid Harmful Substances: Quit smoking, avoid alcohol consumption and recreational drugs. These substances can harm fertility and pose risks to your baby’s health and affect hormone levels, menstruation and ovulation.
• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. Proper rest supports hormone regulation and overall health, both of which are critical for conception and pregnancy.
• Hydrate Consistently: Staying hydrated helps maintain your energy levels, supports digestion, and keeps your body functioning optimally. Aim for at least 8–10 cups of water daily. Need help getting enough nutrients and hydration? Nova Vita’s infusions help replenish any low levels so your body feels its best, but are not allowed while currently pregnant unless provided with written orders from your OB/GYN.
• Limit Exposure to Harmful Toxins: Minimize exposure to harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, plastics, and cosmetics. Avoid lead, pesticides, and radiation as high levels of some types of radiation and some chemical and toxic substances may negatively affect the developing fetus. Opt for natural or organic alternatives when possible to reduce toxin buildup in your body.

Managing Your Emotional and Mental Health

Preparing your body for pregnancy goes beyond physical health—it’s equally important to nurture your mental and emotional well-being. A healthy mindset can significantly impact your fertility, pregnancy experience, and ability to adapt to the challenges of parenthood:

• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, affect ovulation, and make it more difficult to conceive. Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine can help create a more supportive environment for pregnancy. Consider activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Even small changes, like taking regular breaks or engaging in hobbies you enjoy, can make a big difference.
• Seek Support: Building a strong support network is crucial as you prepare for this life-changing journey. Share your plans and feelings with trusted friends, family, or your partner. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider joining a preconception or parenting support group where you can connect with others going through similar experiences.
• Address Mental Health Concerns: If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, it’s important to address these issues before conceiving. Speak with a mental health professional to develop strategies or treatment plans tailored to your needs. Taking care of your emotional health now will better equip you to handle the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and parenthood.

Bottom Line

Preparing for pregnancy is about more than just the physical aspects—it’s a holistic journey that includes your mental, emotional, and lifestyle well-being. From adopting healthier habits to addressing medical and emotional needs, every step you take now sets the foundation for a healthier pregnancy and baby.

At Nova Vita, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need lab work, nutrient infusions, or guidance on weight management and wellness, our comprehensive services are designed to help you feel your best as you prepare for this exciting chapter. Book an appointment today!