Getting Pregnant

For some women getting pregnant happens before they have given it serious consideration. Since you are reading this page, I am assuming that woman isn't you! This can be a very positive place to be.

You have the time and the foresight to focus on getting your body, mind, and spirit as healthy as possible, so that you can have a healthy, pregnancy, birth, and baby.

The first trimester is the most sensitive time for preventable birth defects. Most women don't know they are pregnant for at least the first two weeks--sometimes longer. So it makes sense to act "as if" you are pregnant just in case.

Nutrition

Doing a cleanse is highly recommended.

Cutting way back or completely eliminating sugars and processed foods will allow your body time to detox and repair.

Eat organic as much as possible.

I certainly understand that cost can be an issue here. If you can't eat completely organic pay special attention to what is known as the Dirty Dozen. Eat the organic version of the foods that appear on this list.

Consider joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for your produce, or growing your own garden. With a CSA you pay a one time fee for the growing season and then pick up your fresh produce every week.

These are the easiest ways to ensure that you are getting quality food. Plus it is local and thus better for the environment.

A word about smoking

Exercise

Too much exercise and/or being underweight can prevent your body from ovulating and getting pregnant. Being overweight can also cause ovulation to stop or to be sporadic.

Normalizing your weight along with superb nutrition are the first steps to take when seeking to achieve pregnancy.

If you are already pregnant DO NOT try to lose weight. You may not need to gain as much if you already have extra weight, but DO NOT DIET! If you're underweight you may need to gain significantly more weight than the usual 25-40 lbs.

Non-Toxic Home

Before getting pregnant, think about the physical environment in your home.

What do you use for household cleaners? Personal care products? What kind of chemicals are in your carpet, your bedding, even your car?

Many typical household cleaners and personal care products have chemicals and toxins that are harmful to humans--especially for developing fetuses and children. Carpet, furniture, and upholstery all contain many toxic chemicals.

It may seem overwhelming, but many products can be replaced with others that are just as effective and non-toxic.

Installing a shower filter is a simple way to remove the chlorine from your water.

You will probably also want to install a carbon monoxide detector, and check for levels of radon and lead in your home.

Also think about your work environment and take steps to reduce or eliminate your exposure in the work place.

Medications

If you are on any perscription meds or take over the counter medications regularly, you will want to do your research on whether they are safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor. If is at all possible to wean off medications before getting pregnant, you may want to do so.

Birth Control

It is recommended that you stop taking hormonal birth control for several months before you wish to conceive. This gives your body time to go back to a normal cycle. It gives your body time to replenish vitamins that are lost with regular use of hormonal birth control.

Fertility Awareness

Fertility awareness helps you become aware of the fertile times in your cycle when pregnancy is possible. You track your cervical fluid, cervical position, and basal body temperature for very accurate knowledge of your body's fertile times.

Stress

Illness, which itself can be brought about by stress, and very significant stress levels, can cause the body to ovulate later than usual.

It certainly can't hurt to make sure you get plenty of rest and relaxation, practice meditation or prayer, or whatever other means you want to use to reduce anxiety.

Also think about what kind of environment you want to bring a baby into. Babies don't conform well to our rushed and busy society. Being a present parent is a great gift to give to your child.

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