December 16th, 2024 | 13 min. read
When you decide that you're ready to try to conceive a baby, it marks the beginning of the monumental transition into parenthood. Want to give yourself the best chance of getting that positive pregnancy test? Here's everything you should know about preconception health.
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Why is preconception health so important?
Whether you end up being able to conceive on your own or need a little assistance from a fertility specialist, every journey to parenthood has an important preparation stage.
As a registered nurse who has been with Illume Fertility for over 20 years, I feel privileged to have been a part of so many family-building journeys - each with their own unique path.
At Illume, we wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of optimizing your preconception health before beginning fertility treatment (or trying to conceive on your own). Becoming the healthiest version of yourself before starting treatment increases your chances of having a successful pregnancy, which is what we're all rooting for!
What can I do to increase my chances of getting pregnant?
This is one of the top questions I am asked as a fertility nurse - and for good reason.
Whether you're having trouble conceiving or simply want to give yourself the best shot at success, everyone wonders: "What else can I be doing to improve my chances of getting pregnant?"
We encourage each patient to follow a preconception health regimen, and as an experienced fertility nurse, I’ve seen how impactful it can be for a patient’s journey. Let's talk about what to focus on and how each step can improve your experience and, hopefully, your final outcome.
The 90-Day Preconception Checklist
Since your healthy pregnancy is our number one goal, we have developed a 90-Day Preconception Checklist to help guide you through the most important steps. This guide is uniquely designed by our fertility experts to help you achieve a positive pregnancy outcome.
So, what does the 90-Day Preconception Checklist cover? We go over a variety of lifestyle pillars, including nutrition, lifestyle habits, emotional preparedness, and financial considerations.
Our team has seen that by making these small adjustments to your lifestyle even three months prior to conception, you not only improve your own wellbeing, but you also improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
Ready to learn how? Let's dive in!
Lifestyle Changes
Limit Alcohol
Since it is not known how much alcohol it takes to cause fertility issues or problems in a pregnancy, the safest bet is to avoid alcohol altogether if you are attempting pregnancy. Research has shown that even light drinking can increase the time it takes to get pregnant by affecting ovulation, which can make it more difficult to conceive.
Review Current Medications
If you're currently taking medications, supplements or substances of any kind, be upfront with your doctor and review any potential risks or benefits of continuing each one as you begin trying to conceive. Sometimes, current medications may need to be swapped out or tapered off of if they aren't safe for pregnancy.
Disclaimer: Always talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have and never stop taking your medication abruptly without medical supervision.
Quit Smoking
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's a very important consideration!
Smoking and second-hand smoke can have a huge impact on fertility and is also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. So, if you or the people around you smoke, explore how you can take steps to quit - and make every effort to avoid that second-hand smoke.
Limit Exposure to Environmental Risks
We recommend that you avoid any exposure to environmental chemicals, such as cleaning products, gardening chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, or bug sprays. These substances can impair the reproductive systems of both men and women and make it more difficult to become pregnant.
Always refer to the listed safety labels and precautions on all products you plan to use, and ask your doctor if you're unsure about a product's safety.
Limit Caffeine
Don't panic - your daily caffeine habit doesn't have to be eliminated completely!
However, we do advise that you limit caffeine consumption to two 8-ounce cups of coffee a day. As long as you aren’t consuming high amounts of caffeine (i.e. greater than 150mg per day), you should be fine.
Note: Even if you're not a coffee drinker, watch for hidden sources of caffeine, such as black tea and soda.
Nutrition & Physical Activity
Consider Your BMI
Let me be clear: You don’t have to have a BMI of over 18 or under 25 to get pregnant!
Every body is different and deals with different challenges, and people with BMIs both under and over that threshold can and do have success conceiving. What's most important is finding out how to give your body, no matter where it falls on the BMI spectrum, the best chances possible.
Having said that, being either underweight and overweight can impact your fertility.
Hormones and metabolism play a major role in fertility, and when you're either underweight (BMI < 19) or overweight (BMI > 30), this can throw off the hormones that impact menstrual periods and ovulation.
How to take action:
Some studies have shown that losing 5-10% of body weight may positively impact your fertility. Your weight loss does not need to be dramatic in order to increase your chances of conceiving. Any movement toward a normal BMI range can help.
If you're on the higher end of the BMI spectrum and are trying to get that number down, consider increasing your physical activity with gentle practices such as walking, swimming, or even yoga.
Alternatively, if your BMI is lower than 19, you may want to consider reducing your exercise routine and/or upping your caloric intake. Always talk to your doctor about your individual situation and what they recommend for you.
How to Be Proactive
Want to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy? Get our FREE 3-month checklist and learn what steps you can take today.
Establish a Healthy Diet
Easier said than done, we know. But what does it really mean to eat healthfully? Let's explore.
A healthy diet is one of the first steps you can take to create the foundation for a successful pregnancy. We always recommend consulting with a nutritionist. If you’re a patient at Illume Fertility, we have two registered dietitian nutritionists, Jill Hickey and Jenn Walsh, who are available to help you create a personalized nutrition plan!
Our nutrition team suggests a balanced diet that includes the following:
- Whole grains
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Lean proteins
- Heart-healthy fats, such as unrefined oils (i.e. olive, flax seed, avocado)
- Other good-for-you fat sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, and Omega-3 fish oils that are low in mercury (such as salmon)
Your nutritionist can offer tailored suggestions for healthy, individualized nutritional options to get you closer towards your individual goals. Our team is a wealth of information that we encourage you to take advantage of! Schedule a consult to learn more.
Note: Remember to drink plenty of water and try to avoid soda. Staying hydrated will aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Work with a Health Coach
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start? Consider working with a health coach! Some professionals are specially trained to understand fertility and can assist you in making any needed nutrition and lifestyle changes.
At Illume Fertility, we have a dedicated health coach, Monica Moore, APRN. Having a knowledgeable, compassionate cheerleader in your corner can help you accomplish your personal goals by working around your specific schedule and individual circumstances.
It’s clear that having a healthy diet can contribute to having an ideal BMI which can then improve your fertility and increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. These two things (BMI and nutrition) are typically interconnected. However, we do not encourage following strict diets, as they are unsustainable (and usually restrictive).
Our goal is a healthy foundation!
Remember: Developing a healthy lifestyle now will help you be the healthiest, happiest parent possible - prepared for all the joys and challenges your future baby will bring!
Take a Prenatal Vitamin
Another important component of the 90-Day Preconception Checklist is to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Start by taking a prenatal vitamin that contains an appropriate amount of folic acid (we typically suggest 800mcgs-1mg, but ask your doctor or nutritionist to confirm).
In addition to taking a prenatal vitamin, make sure that you are getting the appropriate amount of calories and necessary nutrients. Eating fresh whole foods whenever possible is the best way to ensure you are getting complex, real sources of vitamins, minerals, and other essential dietary elements.
A Note on Vitamin D
It's vital to ensure you're getting enough vitamin D (we want to see levels greater than 32 ng/ml). It is easy to get this checked to ensure that your vitamin D is in a healthy range by doing a simple blood test with your doctor.
If your levels are low, you can boost them with foods that contain vitamins and minerals such as leafy greens and dairy, and supplement with extra vitamin D prescribed by your doctor if necessary.
Get Vaccinated
You want to avoid getting the flu (or COVID-19) while pregnant, so making these vaccines a part of your checklist is crucial. The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) confirm that it is both safe and recommended to get both the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine(s) while trying to conceive and/or pregnant.
Have any vaccine concerns? Don't hesitate to bring them up to your doctor! They can help alleviate worries by providing evidence-based information and reassurance.
Avoid Certain Foods
- Avoid processed foods high in sugars and artificial sweeteners
- Avoid fish that may contain high levels of mercury, such as tuna and mackerel
- Don’t eat unpasteurized cheeses like feta, brie, and goat cheese
- Avoid deli meats, as these can contain listeria
Feeling overwhelmed? We get it! Never hesitate to ask your Care Team for support. They are always happy to offer expert advice if you are feeling unsure about what to do.
Mental Health & Support
As you prepare for this exciting time in your life, it is also essential to take care of your emotional health. How you think, feel, and act as you navigate the stressors that surround the trying to conceive process matters more than you might expect.
One of the best ways to care for your mental health is to utilize all the available resources that your fertility clinic provides.
Incorporate Stress Management
At Illume Fertility, we have an entire program devoted to holistic mind/body fertility support called Integrated Fertility & Wellness. This program offers resources dedicated specifically to your mental and physical wellness, including counseling, acupuncture, nutrition, and other tools.
To aid in stress management and relaxation, we offer free Fertile Yoga classes that incorporate gentle movement and meditation, taught by founder Lisa Rosenthal. Lisa also serves as Illume Fertility's dedicated Patient Advocate, offering one-on-one emotional support throughout your journey.
Did you know? Meditation can lower stress levels by decreasing your heart rate and slowing your breathing, allowing you to relax and destress. Lowering levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, has also been shown to increase positive fertility outcomes.
Speak With a Counselor
We know that while it is exciting preparing for a pregnancy, it can also increase stress and anxiety levels. It can be helpful to seek the advice and expertise of a fertility counselor during this process.
These experts can help you strengthen existing coping skills or develop new ones - allowing for more effective communication between you, your team, your partner, and others. We suggest finding a mental health professional that specializes in fertility or family building. To access Illume's network of vetted, licensed counselors, talk to your nurse or navigator.
Identify Your Support Network
Friends and family may be helpful during this journey - but only choose those that you consider to be supportive, good listeners. If you don't have any trusted friends or family members close by, we welcome you to try out one of our support groups, where you're certain to connect with others on similar journeys.
Financial & Insurance Considerations
Finally, we need to address the practical matters of your trying to conceive journey, which include everyone's favorite part - finances and insurance.
Check Health Insurance Coverage
Your first step: Confirm your health insurance coverage and family-building benefits allowance. All plans are different per patient, so it’s important to ask all the right questions.
If you are an Illume Fertility patient and have questions regarding benefit plans, feel free to contact your assigned financial counselor, who can help you confirm coverage and discuss potential costs for your fertility journey.
Create a Budget
Next step: Make a plan with your partner, if applicable. How much will all this cost, realistically? How much will you need to save each month? Budgeting and planning now can save you a lot of time, stress, and money later.
Now is the best time to optimize your health.
Grab our free 90-Day Preconception Checklist and learn how to prepare physically, financially, and mentally for the road ahead.
The Final Checkmark: Conceive
Ha! If only it were that easy, right?
While we wish it were possible to snap your fingers and get pregnant, there are some important final steps to take that will ensure you have the best chances of conceiving:
Schedule a Preconception Visit with Your OB/GYN
To begin this process, make sure you’re up to date on regular testing, such as your mammogram and pap smear. Let your provider know that you are trying (or going to start trying) to conceive. They can help you with any further questions at that moment.
Undergo Fertility Testing
For those having trouble conceiving or simply wanting to rule out any fertility issues before trying, we always recommend fertility testing. These tests measure multiple hormone levels and assess the reproductive system to understand your body and any particular challenges.
These tests often include a semen analysis (for the male partner), simple blood tests (i.e. FSH, LH, AMH) and thorough physical exams (i.e. HSG, saline sonogram, ultrasound).
Struggling with infertility? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.
Ready to get started?
We know 90 days may sound like a long time, but it will go by in the blink of an eye. Making small adjustments each week can truly add up to life-changing results.
Whether you’re thinking about trying to conceive soon or are already actively trying, we encourage you to start working on your 90-Day Preconception Checklist now. Each day you put in the effort will get you that much closer to your ultimate goal and maximize your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.
We're all rooting for you!
Trying to conceive?
Increase your chances of pregnancy with our free 90-Day TTC Checklist, created by fertility experts.