6 Tips to Consider When You're Trying to Get Pregnant

The following is a sponsored post from MegaFood.

When it comes to planning, preparing physically, emotionally, and spiritually for pregnancy and motherhood should rank at the very top. Pre-conception is a time for looking inward, of letting go, of reaching out and growing. The preparation begins 3-4 months before actively trying to conceive. A time for nourishing your body, your mind, and your spirit.

Take a quality prenatal vitamin. Pregnancy is a time of rapid growth and development and you want to ensure that you have key nutrients on board before conception. At least 90 days before conception, look for a prenatal that contains 400-600 mcg methyl folate, the active form of folate; a B-vitamin that supports fetal health.* 

Choline also supports healthy brain development* but studies show that only 8-10% of pregnant women meet the recommended intake of 450 mg per day.  Look for a prenatal that provides 200-300 mg per day before and during pregnancy. Other key nutrients that might be low include B6 (especially if you have been taking birth control pills), iron and iodine. 

Baby & Me 2, part of the doctor-formulated multivitamin line that I crafted with MegaFood, was created to include these key nutrients and forms.

Optimize vitamin D. Vitamin D helps support healthy bones and a healthy pregnancy.* Unfortunately, many women have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. I recommend getting a vitamin D test to optimize your levels before conception. Once optimized, most women do fine taking 600-1000 IU (15-25 mcg) of vitamin D3 per day. 

Get your omega-3s. These fatty acids may help support the baby’s healthy brain and eye development.* Research shows DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, supports a healthy pregnancy for mother and baby.* 

Add a prenatal probiotic. Give your digestive and immune health some support with a probiotic specifically formulated for prenatal needs.* For example, studies have shown that the intake of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HN001) during the last trimester and early breastfeeding supports a child’s developing immune system.* MegaFlora® for Baby & Me contains MegaFood’s proprietary blend of 14 unique strains of 20 billion probiotics. It also includes Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HN001) and organic ginger. Ginger can help support healthy digestion at a time when digestion can feel a little "off".*

Reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals/substances that interfere with the action of our hormones. These chemicals can be dangerous during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester. So, reducing exposures before conception is important. Some of the most prevalent are pesticides, BPA, phthalates, and parabens. 

Pesticide exposure can be minimized by eating organic, drinking filtered water and using integrated pest management at home.  BPA and phthalate levels in the body can be reduced dramatically, within days, by avoiding the use of plastics in food/beverage storage and preparation (particularly microwaving), and reducing canned goods. Use fragrance and paraben-free skin body care products and ensure that you are using safe cleaning products and cookware. 

Manage stress. Pregnancy and motherhood bring about many changes in our lives. Change can be stressful. It can also drag to the surface unresolved traumas that we keep hidden. If there are emotional wounds – now might be a good time to address them. This is also a good time to create rituals that can help you manage stress and transition. Meditation, breathwork, and guided imagery can be powerful tools during pregnancy and childbirth. Yoga can help enhance the flexibility of our bodies and our minds. Journaling can allow you to express your deepest feelings and dreams.  Walking in green places can deepen your connection to the earth. Find those rituals that hold meaning for you and integrate them into your life before conception.

There’s a lot to think about before you get pregnant, and it’s not only a time for nourishment but education as well. While these recommendations were written for women, many are also highly relevant for fathers-to-be, as well! 

And remember, if you are pregnant or considering the possibility of pregnancy, please consult with your health care practitioner for advice regarding the right supplements and health choices for your unique needs. And the best of luck to you during this important and wonderful time in your life.