One can say for sure that pregnancy is one of the most life-changing journeys anyone can embark on. Surely, proper preparation can make a significant difference in both fertility and overall health.

If you’re planning to conceive, you need a plan. Some people start to prepare several years in advance. However, it may not seem easy for other people. That’s why you should take proactive steps at least 3 months before conception. During this period, you’ll be able to regulate your hormones, improve egg quality, and create an optimal environment for a baby to grow.

Let’s see what changes you need to make to boost your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.

Month 1

One thing to conceive. It’s another thing to have a healthy pregnancy. That’s why the first month is all about assessing your current health and making necessary changes.

Track your menstrual cycle

It’ll be much easier for you to identify your fertile window if you understand your cycle. In this regard, an ovulation tracker can help you find out when you’re most likely to conceive.

Moreover, you should monitor changes in basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and LH surges. Based on this, you’ll be able to time intercourse for optimal results.

Schedule a preconception checkup

Besides taking advantage of smart devices, you should visit your doctor or a fertility specialist. Your doctor will assess your medical history, check for any health conditions, and ensure your vaccinations are up to date. Most importantly, you’ll be able to get control of every chronic condition you have.

Start taking a prenatal vitamin

Folic acid is crucial in preventing neural tube defects in early pregnancy. That’s the first thing every fertility specialist recommends. Moreover, you should look for vitamins that contain:

• Iron;
• Calcium;
• They all are of paramount importance to fetal development.

Clean up your diet and quit bad habits

Your diet plays a significant part in fertility and pregnancy health. You should start eating:

• Leafy greens and beans for folate;
• Avocados, nuts, and olive oil to regulate hormones;
• Chicken, fish, and tofu to support egg quality;
• Whole grains for steady blood sugar levels;
• Yogurt, kimchi, and kefir promote a balanced gut microbiome.

Besides, you should quit smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking affects egg quality, while alcohol can disrupt ovulation. If you do it in the first month, it’ll give your body time to recover before pregnancy.

Ensure your partner is healthy too

Society keeps saying that much depends on a woman. However, male fertility is just as important. You should encourage your partner to adopt a healthy diet, take a men’s fertility supplement, and avoid alcohol and smoking. Besides, your partner should avoid heat exposure. They should minimize taking hot tubs and saunas.

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Month 2

Now that you understand what’s going on with your health, your focus should shift toward balancing hormones, improving lifestyle habits, and reducing stress.

Balance your hormones naturally

Any imbalance in hormones can make conception more difficult. In this regard, you should do the following:

1. Reduce processed sugar and refined carbs. They can cause insulin spikes;
2. Eat fiber-rich foods like flaxseeds, broccoli, and chia seeds;
3. Manage stress, as high cortisol can disrupt reproductive hormones.

Get active but avoid overtraining

Exercising is beneficial at any time. You should incorporate moderate exercising that will be good for fertility. As for the minimum, you should exercise at least 4-5 times a week for about half an hour. If you’re an athlete or a gym enthusiast, remember that excessive workouts can disrupt ovulation. You should opt for activities like swimming, yoga, and walking.

Reduce environmental toxins

Everyday chemicals can interfere with fertility. They can be found in plastics, skincare products, household cleaners, and synthetic fragrances. Instead, you should opt for BPA-free containers and natural beauty products. This will help you to minimize exposure to harmful endocrine disruptors.

Month 3

This month is all about fine-tuning your health and preparing your body for conception.

Strengthen your relationship with your partner

Surely, conception is an emotional process. Whether you have health or relationship issues or not, small misunderstandings can later put you under a lot of stress. That’s why you should keep communication open with your partner. You should discuss expectations and find ways to support each other.

Have regular, timed intercourse

If you take advantage of an ovulation tracker and other digital tracking tools, you’ll have a clear understanding of your ovulation window. You should engage in regular intercourse. It can be every 2-3 days throughout the cycle. During the fertile window, you should do it more often to increase the chances of conception.

Prepare for the possibility of pregnancy

Besides adjusting your habits and checking your physical condition, you should adjust your mindset for pregnancy. In this regard, you should do the following:

• Learn about early pregnancy signs;
• Adjust your mindset for the changes ahead;
• Check insurance coverage for maternity care.

Final thoughts

Creating the best possible environment for conception and a healthy pregnancy is possible if you start preparing at least 3 months before conception. Remember that nothing can guarantee immediate success. However, these steps can significantly boost your chances.