If you’re thinking about having a baby, congratulations!
Whether you’re planning to start trying next month or later this year, you can start preparing your body now, and our team at Southwest Florida Women’s Group can help.
Read on as we share five ways to get your body ready for pregnancy.
Before trying to conceive, schedule a preconception appointment here at our Naples, Florida, location.
During your visit, we review your medical history, medications, vaccination status, lifestyle habits, and any previous pregnancies. If you’re using birth control, we help you develop a plan to safely transition off of it, including removing an IUD if needed, when you’re ready to start trying to get pregnant.
We can also discuss chronic health conditions and genetic concerns and answer questions about fertility, ovulation, and timing. This visit gives us an opportunity to identify any issues that may affect your pregnancy before you become pregnant.
Don’t wait until you see a positive pregnancy test before you start taking a prenatal vitamin.
You should start taking one that has at least 400-800 micrograms of folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B9, at least one month before conception. In fact, you can start as early as three months before conception!
“Eating for two” doesn’t mean you double your calories. Instead, it means that you focus on healthy foods that are good for you and your growing baby — even before you’re pregnant.
You can:
If you smoke, vape, or drink alcohol, talk with your provider at Southwest Florida Women’s Group about the safest way to quit before pregnancy.
The healthier you are before pregnancy, the healthier your pregnancy is likely to be.
If you have a chronic condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or asthma, bring it up during your family planning session. Our team can work with you to get it well controlled before you conceive.
Being significantly underweight or overweight may make it more difficult to conceive and can increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications.
For example, women with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher have a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes, while being underweight can disrupt normal ovulation or cause you to ovulate less frequently.
If weight management has been challenging, our team can help you develop a realistic weight loss plan that supports both your health and your pregnancy goals.
Make regular physical activity part of your routine. Walking is an excellent place to start because it’s gentle on your joints, supports heart health, and is an exercise many women can continue throughout pregnancy with their OBGYN’s approval.
Not every medication or supplement is safe to take during pregnancy, including some prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
Before trying to conceive, review everything you’re taking with our team. If changes are needed, it’s often safest to make them before you become pregnant.
Safety first: Never stop a prescribed medication without first speaking with the healthcare provider who prescribed it.
Why not make a trip to your local Collier County Public Library? Reading a pregnancy book or two beforehand can help you feel more confident and know what to expect in the weeks and months ahead.
Look for resources that cover topics such as:
A little preparation can go a long way. For example, having pregnancy-safe remedies like ginger tea, ginger chews, or vitamin B6 on hand before morning sickness strikes can make those first few weeks a little easier. The more you know before you conceive, the more prepared you’ll feel when your pregnancy begins.
Preparing for pregnancy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Southwest Florida Women’s Group, we’re here to support you before, during, and after pregnancy. Whether you’re just beginning to think about expanding your family, or you’re ready to start trying now, our team can help you take the next step with confidence.
Schedule your preconception appointment today. You can reach us at 239-593-0990, or use our Request an Appointment button.