Why The Months Before Pregnancy Matter More Than We’ve Been Told
I’m Dr. Laura Costello—a women’s health physical therapist, author, and the founder of The Pretrimester™, a science-backed approach to preparing for pregnancy before it begins.
I’ve spent nearly two decades working in women’s health. But the work I do today exists because of the knowledge I didn’t have when I needed it most.
Before I was a practitioner guiding women through fertility and preconception health, I was a patient—trying, waiting, hoping, and quietly wondering why no one was helping me prepare for what felt like the most important transition of my life.
From Patient to Practitioner: The Knowledge & Support I Wish I HadÂ
For years, I had no idea I was living with severe endometriosis and adenomyosis. Like so many women, my symptoms were masked by birth control and brushed aside as “normal.” It wasn’t until years of trying to conceive—and countless unanswered questions—that a fertility specialist finally suspected endometriosis.
What followed was a decade-long journey marked by multiple surgeries, five rounds of IUI, three rounds of IVF, devastating pregnancy loss, and tens of thousands of dollars spent chasing answers that always seemed to come too late.
Eventually, I held my son in my arms—our miracle after years of heartbreak. But even in that joy, one truth stayed with me:
No one prepared me for this.
Not for fertility challenges.
Not for the emotional toll.
Not for the critical window before trying to conceive—when so much was already being shaped.
That realization changed everything.
The Birth of The Pretrimester
I created The Pretrimester™ to fill the gap that exists between wanting a baby and knowing how to truly support your body before pregnancy.
Science now confirms what many women intuitively feel: the three to six months before conception play a powerful role in fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and a child’s lifelong health. Yet this phase is rarely discussed, and even more rarely supported.
My book, Pretrimester, is the resource I wish I’d had—grounded in evidence, informed by clinical practice, and shaped by lived experience. It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about understanding your body, reducing unnecessary stress and exposure, and entering pregnancy informed rather than blindsided.
This work is my mission:
to shift fertility care from reactive to proactive,
from waiting to preparing,
from silence to informed support.
My Approach: Science-Backed, Holistic, & Personalized
My background as a Doctor of Physical Therapy deeply informs how I view women’s health. I don’t believe fertility exists in isolation.
The body is an integrated system—hormones, nervous system, movement, environment, relationships, and emotional health all matter. When one area is ignored, women feel it everywhere.
Through my writing, education, and clinical work, I blend evidence-based medicine with holistic, practical tools that women can actually apply to their lives. The goal is not optimization for optimization’s sake—but resilience, clarity, and confidence as women step into motherhood.
Beyond My Work
Outside of my professional life, I’m a wife and a mom to our IVF miracle son, who reminds me every day why this work matters.
Movement has always been medicine for me—whether it’s yoga, Pilates, or strength training—it’s how I reconnect with myself. If the weather is warm, you’ll find me at the lake or exploring new hiking trails. I’m a lifelong learner, constantly diving into research, personal development, and mindfulness practices—always looking for ways to grow and better serve my clients.
My Philosophy
I believe preconception is one of the most powerful opportunities we have to support women’s health and future generations.
The choices you make before pregnancy don’t just influence fertility—they shape how you experience motherhood and the foundation your child builds upon.
Every woman deserves clear information, compassionate guidance, and the space to prepare intentionally. My hope is that this work helps women feel less alone, more informed, and deeply supported during a season that has been overlooked for far too long.
Let’s Connect — I’d Love to Hear From You
Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, exploring the Pretrimester™ approach, or interested in collaborating or speaking engagements. I’m always grateful to connect with people who care about changing the conversation around women’s health and help bring this message forward. It’s a movement toward preparation, empowerment, and earlier support. And I’m honored you’re here.
