Preparing for Pregnancy

By Denise Midstokke

December 20, 2011

Someone asked me the other day how many planned pregnancies I see, versus surprise pregnancies. It’s hard to say, because by the time I see pregnant moms, they are just excited to be pregnant!

If you are trying to get pregnant, or are getting ready to try, there are some things you can do to prepare your body for its next big adventure.

Start on a good pre-natal vitamin.

You want your body to have plenty of the vitamins and minerals it needs to give your baby a good start. For instance, pre-natal vitamins have a higher dose of folic acid than regular women’s vitamins, because “if women have enough folic acid in their bodies before pregnancy, this vitamin can decrease the risk for birth defects of the baby’s brain or spine,” according to the AmericanCollege of Physicians.

Modify your diet.

Eat a healthful diet! Make sure you are getting enough protein. Lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Basically, eat the way you know you should be anyway!

If you’re drinking a lot of soda, particularly diet soda, cut down, or better yet, cut it out completely. Pregnancy can be hard on your bones, and some studies have shown that the phosphorus in the carbonation of soft drinks is hard on your bones, too.

Do you need to be caffeine-free?

Not necessarily. For some women who are prone to migraines, black coffee is the best defense when they are pregnant. Discuss that specifically with your doctor or midwife, preferably before you get pregnant! But you can safely have up to two cups a day of non-carbonated caffeine products.

What about alcohol?

No alcohol while you’re pregnant, of course, but when you’re trying, cutting out alcohol—you AND your partner—may increase your chances of getting pregnant. (When getting pregnant is taking longer than a couple hoped, this is one of the first suggestions from most doctors, along with having the partner switch to boxers, avoid hot tubs, etc.)

If at all possible, see a dentist before you conceive.

Make sure your teeth are healthy and clean. Pregnancy is hard on your teeth, so make sure yours are in good shape!

Get a full physical.

I have had several clients who went in for a physical before they started trying to conceive, and discovered they had low thyroid. Low thyroid can be risk factor for miscarriage, so I am always relieved when women catch that before they get pregnant. It often runs in families, too, so you might want to ask family members if there’s anything relevant you need to know for a family history.

Try to rein in your expectations.

When you are actively trying to conceive, it seems like you are inundated with stories of women who “got pregnant the first time they tried!” It can be disheartening and demoralizing. Give yourself some time, especially if you’re coming off some birth control. But, if it is taking longer than you’d hoped, talk to your doctor or midwife about little things you can try to increase your fertility.

Finally, relax!

I know, I know. I just gave you homework, and now I’m telling you to relax. But there are countless stories—I’m sure you’ve heard some—of women suddenly getting pregnant after they’ve given up trying. Try not to pressure yourself—or your partner. Added stress is not conducive to fertility!

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in your life. Being prepared for it is great—but if you did have a surprise pregnancy, there’s no reason to be alarmed. Just be honest with your doctor or midwife about your level of health and fitness, and make the changes you need to make to give your baby a healthy place to develop for nine months!

About Denise Midstokke

Denise Midstokke, Licensed and Certified Professional Midwife, has been a midwife for 32 years, and has been practicing in North Idaho for 25 years. Pend Oreille Midwifery Services is located at 723 Pine Street, Sandpoint. (208) 263-0776 www.pendoreillemidwifery.com. We are currently looking for another CPM to join our practice! Please see this job listing for more information!