Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy: Why You Should Start Now
How far in advance should you start preparing your body for pregnancy before you start trying to conceive?
It takes time to build a foundation for a healthy pregnancy. That means preparing your body for at least 3 to 6 months before you plan to get pregnant. Here in the East Bay, we see this timeline make a real difference for the women who come through our doors.
Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy: 7 Reasons to Start Now
1. Egg Quality
Eggs take at least 3 to 4 months to develop, and making changes to support healthy eggs will be more effective if you start a minimum of 3 months prior to trying to conceive. A woman’s eggs are formed while she is a baby growing in her mother’s womb. Those eggs remain dormant until they are recruited to mature and ovulate.
This maturation process, known as folliculogenesis, takes 3 to 4 months. During that time, the health of the maturing egg will be influenced by the health of the mother. This is much like a tomato growing in the garden. The health of the tomato will be greatly influenced by the health of the garden: the water, the soil, the sunshine, and the nutrients available.
2. Uterine Health
The uterus needs sufficient blood flow to build a healthy lining, to allow the embryo to implant, and to grow a healthy baby. How do you know if you have problems with the blood flow to your uterus?
Signs of blood flow problems can include scanty or painful periods, dark menstrual blood with clots, or a diagnosis of endometriosis. Imaging may be done to evaluate the health of the uterus.
Treatment includes acupuncture, nutrition, and in some cases surgery.
3. Time for Testing and Treatment
Testing is a valuable way to gain insight into all that’s needed to support healthy eggs and a healthy pregnancy. Hormone levels, blood sugars, and vitamin levels are key to screen prior to conception.
These can be assessed using a simple blood panel. Getting tested in advance gives you time to address any concerns before you get pregnant. This can make it easier to conceive and will promote a healthier pregnancy.
4. Thyroid Hormones
The most important hormones to screen for a healthy pregnancy are your thyroid hormones. Abnormal thyroid hormones can dramatically increase the risk of miscarriage during the first trimester. Another risk is abnormal neural development leading to lower brain function.
Fortunately, when identified ahead of time, thyroid issues can be treated. The blood tests to screen for thyroid function are thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (Free T4). Treatment will often include medication along with acupuncture and nutrition.
5. Blood sugars
The leading cause of fertility challenges, across all age groups, is abnormal blood sugars. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), low blood sugar (also called hypoglycemia), and diabetes are all forms of blood sugar issues.
Abnormal blood sugars can damage the eggs, block ovulation, disrupt implantation of the embryo, increase rates of miscarriage, and increase pregnancy complications for both mother and child.
The most common markers for evaluating blood sugars are fasting glucose and a Hemoglobin A1c. When blood sugar issues are identified, they can typically be well managed through a combination of nutrition, lifestyle changes, and in some cases medication or targeted supplement support like inositol.
6. Iron
Sufficient iron levels are important for a healthy pregnancy. Iron plays an essential role in circulating oxygen throughout the body. This oxygen is needed for all organs and tissues to function at their best.
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which contributes to pregnancy complications such as premature delivery and low birth weight. Testing hemoglobin and ferritin will let you know if you need more iron. If levels are low, supplementing with iron can help restore healthy levels before you conceive.
7. Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays several important roles in our health and fertility, including immune support, hormonal balance, egg maturation, embryo implantation, and lowered risk of miscarriage.
Almost half of American adults are clinically deficient in Vitamin D. For women who are planning to get pregnant, you want your vitamin D levels to be in the middle of the healthy range.
Get your Vitamin D levels tested, and then supplement with Vitamin D if needed.
Preparation leads to easier conception and healthier pregnancy.
With time to prepare your body for pregnancy, at least 3 to 6 months, you can address these 7 common issues.
At our clinic here in Piedmont, we help women throughout Oakland and the greater East Bay prepare for pregnancy in all the ways described here. If you would like to work with our team, you can book an appointment online here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon before trying to conceive should I start preparing my body for pregnancy?
Most practitioners recommend starting 3 to 6 months before you plan to conceive. This gives you time to address any hormone, blood sugar, or nutrient issues that testing might reveal, and supports your eggs throughout their 3 to 4 months of growth.
What blood tests should I get before trying to get pregnant?
Thyroid hormones (TSH and free thyroxine), fasting glucose and Hemoglobin A1c for blood sugar, and hemoglobin and ferritin for iron, and Vitamin D levels are among the most useful tests.
Can acupuncture help prepare my body for pregnancy?
Acupuncture can support healthy blood flow to the uterus, help regulate hormones, and support overall reproductive health alongside the testing and treatment described above. Our team blends this with nutrition and, when needed, coordination with your other healthcare providers.
Leslie Oldershaw L.Ac, FABORM
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Fellow, Acupuncture Board of Reproductive Medicine
Leslie Oldershaw brings over 30 years of leadership and expertise blending Eastern and Western medicine to support women’s health. Since founding The Oldershaw Clinic in 1995, she has helped women navigate fertility, hormonal transitions, perimenopause, menopause, and healthy aging with integrative, personalized care focused on vitality and lifelong wellness.
