The Pretrimester - what it is and why it matters

If you're considering starting a family soon, congratulations! This is such an exciting time, but it also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding what you should be doing when trying to conceive to prepare your body for pregnancy. The way you take care of yourself and the choices that you make directly affect your egg quality. One important step you can take is focusing on your preconception care, which includes the period known as the pretrimester.

The pretrimester is the time before you start trying to conceive, when you can make changes to your lifestyle and health habits that can help ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. It's an opportunity to get your body in the best shape possible for pregnancy, by optimizing your physical, nutritional, and emotional health.

Why is the pretrimester important?

Research shows that the health of a baby is largely determined by the health of the mother before and during pregnancy. By taking care of yourself in the preconception period, you can reduce the risk of complications and improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.

What should you focus on during preconception care?

Here are some things to consider as you prepare for pregnancy:

1. Get a preconception checkup: Schedule a visit with your healthcare provider to discuss your plans for pregnancy and make sure you address any underlying health concerns, such as endometriosis, PCOS or diabetes, as well as any medications that may interfere with trying to conceive.

2. Eat a healthy diet: Focus on eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Certain diets like the Mediterranean Diet have proven beneficial when TTC and to support a healthy pregnancy. Consider taking a prenatal vitamin to ensure you're getting enough essential nutrients like folic acid.

3. Maintain a healthy weight: Being either overweight or underweight can increase the risk of pregnancy complications. If necessary consult a dietitian to work towards achieving a healthy weight prior getting pregnant.

4. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help improve fertility, manage stress, and reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

5. Manage stress: Stress can impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes, so it's important to find ways to manage stress during the preconception period. Consider mindfulness practices, meditation, tapping, therapy, or other stress-reducing techniques. Focusing on your mental health is so important through this process. 

6. Avoid harmful substances: Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, as these can harm your fertility and increase the risk of birth defects and pregnancy complications.

I've learned so much over the last decade since we went through years of fertility treatments and multiple rounds of IVF to have my son. My goal is to get you started on the right path so that you can avoid what I and so many other woman had to go through just to become moms. That's why I created this blog and free guide to help you get started, grab it HERE. 

Remember, the pretrimester is an important time to prioritize your health and well-being before getting pregnant. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Good luck on your journey to motherhood!

Sincerely,

Dr. Laura Costello