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 lessCaffeine consumption has been shown to increase chances of miscarriage.
• Limit ;alcohol ;consumptionIt'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.
• HydrateDrink 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 spinachYou'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 ;regimenMany of these techniques help strengthen your body and improve flexibility for during and after pregnancy.
• Rest and relaxStress can affect your ability to conceive, as can sleeplessness.
• Spend time outdoors in the fresh air.