Getting Pregnant Checklist

Get a Full Checkup

Visit your gynecologist and your family doctor and discuss your plans to conceive.

Discuss any pre-existing medical conditions and family medical history with your physician.

Review Medications; if necessary cease taking them or switch to a pregnancy-safe alternative.

Consult with your physician about any additional supplements you are currently taking.

Ensure you are at a healthy weight and BMI.

Discuss with your doctor about when to stop birth control.

Plan to have any internal contraceptives removed (such as an IUD or implant).

Take any necessary blood tests or exams your doctor ;recommends.

Diet and Nutrition

Lower ;caffeine ;intake to 200 mg a day or less

Caffeine consumption has been shown to increase chances of miscarriage.

Limit ;alcohol ;consumption

It'll be easier to cut out when you're pregnant.

If you're a smoker, it's time to quit for good.

Eat a combination of fresh produce, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats at every meal.

Avoid foods loaded with preservatives, like those found in pre-packaged meals.

Hydrate

Drink plenty of fresh water before, during, and after meals.

Consume fresh fruits and vegetables several times a day.

Eat lots of green, leafy vegetables like spinach

You'll get essential iron plus 1,000 milligrams of much-needed calcium.

Eat lean protein such as chicken, fish, and tofu.

Proteins are the building blocks of life!

Get whole grains into your diet, like cereal, wheat and whole grain breads and pastas.

Have legumes, lentils and beans, which contain both fiber and plant protein.

Bone up on calcium with 3 daily servings of low-fat milk products.

Cut back on sugar, salt, and fatty foods.

Limit your consumption of fish, under-cooked meat, and unpasteurized dairy products while trying to conceive.

Trying to Conceive

Have ;intercourse ;2-3 times a week without using contraception.

Track your monthly cycle so you can estimate when you are likely to ovulate

;You can also buy ovulation test kits.

Research position methods for increasing chances of conception.

Consider using the ;rhythm ;method to chart basal body temperature.

Supplements

Take a daily multivitamin to help boost the nutrients you need for conception.

Increase calcium intake.

Increase Iron intake.

Get more folic acid, from citrus fruits or a ;recommended ;folate supplement.

When you become pregnant, ask your doctor to recommend a good pre-natal ;vitamin.

Healthy Mind and Body

Develop a healthy, well-balanced exercise routine.

Incorporate yoga or pilates into your workout ;regimen

Many of these techniques help strengthen your body and improve flexibility for during and after pregnancy.

Rest and relax

Stress can affect your ability to conceive, as can sleeplessness.

Spend time outdoors in the fresh air.