Deciding to bring a new life into the world is exciting but comes with substantial lifestyle changes. If you’re ready to begin a family, you’ll need to prepare for pregnancy in the best way possible. For starters, you can work with a healthcare provider to ensure that you make the right choices. This will ensure you’re making the right choices as you step into a new phase of your life. 

Getting pregnant itself also takes the right timing and close attention to your body. Although the amount of time it takes to conceive differs for every woman, taking action today can help your body prepare for pregnancy and childbirth. Paying attention to these simple tips may help you conceive.

Track Your Cycle 

First and foremost, you can prepare for pregnancy by understanding your menstrual cycle. Then, it’s important to understand what time of the month is best for getting pregnant. Get started by tracking the day your period starts and ends. Also, take note of any symptoms, such as cramping, mood swings, and breast tenderness.

Ovulation typically begins around 14 days before your period starts, but you may also notice a few physical signs, such as clear cervical mucus and a slight increase in your basal body temperature — so keep an eye out for these indicators. If you’re having trouble tracking your cycle, plenty of mobile apps will help you track your period.

Schedule a Preconception Appointment

When you’re ready to prepare for pregnancy, you’ll also need to make sure that your body is in tip-top shape! If possible, visit a licensed healthcare provider, so you can review your health history and help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.

During a preconception appointment, you’ll identify any fetal-maternal risks, receive recommended immunizations, and address any necessary changes in the medications you may be taking.

Make a Quit Plan 

Most people are aware that smoking, vaping, alcohol, and other drugs are bad for your health, but it’s especially important for women that are trying to prepare for pregnancy to avoid these substances. Also, healthcare providers typically recommend that you reduce your caffeine consumption to 200mg per day or less.

Consuming these substances can reduce your ability to conceive. Additionally, they can increase the likelihood of low birth weight, fetal alcohol syndrome, or preterm delivery. If you’re struggling to quit cold turkey, consider gradually reducing your intake until you’re no longer ingesting these substances.

Prepare for Pregnancy with 2Me Healthcare

Whether you’re making plans to start a family or seeking support throughout your pregnancy, it’s essential to work with healthcare providers that listen to your concerns and can help create a birthing plan for your unique needs. If you want to work with a midwife offering holistic pregnancy and fertility support, OB2me is here to help.

At OB2me, we offer private in-home or in-office concierge midwifery care to support you with comfortable prenatal and postpartum care for you and your family. We are also available to help you throughout your labor and delivery at the hospital.

OB2me provides multiple packages and services to fit your needs best and make your transition from pregnancy to motherhood as stress-free as possible. Just contact our team today and see how working with a dedicated and passionate healthcare provider can make all the difference!

Carson

Carson Ragan, CNM is a Certified Nurse Midwife with more than 25 years of experience in Labor & Delivery, Neonatal ICU, and women’s healthcare. After becoming a mother at a young age and experiencing the birth of her premature second child, she was inspired to pursue nursing and ultimately midwifery.

She earned her nursing degree from Columbus State University and graduated as an RN in 1999. After years of experience as an L&D and NICU nurse, charge nurse, educator, and clinician, she earned her graduate degree from Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in 2010 and became a Certified Nurse Midwife.

Her personal experiences as both a mother and healthcare provider inspired her vision for a more personal, convenient approach to women’s healthcare. She created a concierge model designed to give women more time, individualized attention, and quality care in the comfort of their home or office.

Outside of work, Carson enjoys spending time with her husband and five children, volunteering with her daughter’s volleyball teams, traveling, and scuba diving.