When Should We Start Prepping Our Bodies for Pregnancy?

You may know there are benefits to fertility supplements if you’re having difficulty in trying to conceive. But there is still so much value in taking fertility vitamins to ensure your basic nutritional needs are met and your nutrient stores are prepped and ready to grow a baby. Thinking about expanding or starting your family and wondering when to start taking prenatals? Well, an OB/GYN says that’s exactly when.

“The best time to start prepping your body for pregnancy is a year before your desired pregnancy,” says Banafsheh Bayati, MD, OB/GYN, FACOG. “Why so long? That’s because it's a journey of self-discovery. An improved diet, reduction of toxins like tobacco and excess caffeine, stress modification, education around reproduction, your family history and prenatal vitamins, and becoming in tune to your cycle and patterns will be key points to consider.”

Here’s what you need to know about prepping your body for pregnancy.

I have a healthy lifestyle, do I still need to add vitamins to my diet?

To cut to the chase, yes. This is because your nutrient demands during pregnancy are higher than ever before. And that increase starts as early as your first month or two of pregnancy, often before most women even know that they are pregnant. That means, your nutrient stores need to be prepped ahead of time before you start trying so your body is ready when you get those double lines on your pregnancy test.

“Despite an excellent diet, it is still important to optimize minerals, such as iron, and vitamin levels prior to pregnancy. Starting three to six months before a desired pregnancy with a folate-based prenatal that contains adequate amounts of vitamin D and omega-3 DHA is best. Supplementing with prenatals can decrease the incidence of birth defects. And depending on your health and medication history, targeted supplements may be needed. Speak to your doctor regarding what is best for you.”

I just had a baby and want to try for another one. Should I take vitamins for postpartum or for fertility?

If you’re transitioning post-birth but looking ahead to having another baby, you’ll want to ensure both of your nutritional needs are met, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

“Just as it's important to work on restrengthening your abdominal and pelvic core postpartum, it’s important to restore adequate nutrition, mineral and vitamin levels. That’s because, after pregnancy, a new mom can become very depleted. Taking a complete prenatal, like the Perelel Core Prenatal, is essential for your energy and mood. It’s crucial to replenish lost iron and return to a folate-based prenatal with adequate omega-3’s and vitamin D.”

Here at Perelel, we take care of that for you.

In every Perelel pack, we’ve included our Core Prenatal which was formulated to cover your basic nutritional requirements at every stage of motherhood. So if you’re even thinking about trying again in the near future, you can switch back to your Preconception Support Pack for that extra dose of folate and rest-assured knowing that your postpartum needs are handled.

Okay, I’ll take my vitamins. Is there anything else I can do to prep my body for pregnancy?

Now that you know your nutritional needs are taken care of, relax. Give your body some T.L.C. and make time for the things that you love. It may sound basic, but making sure you’re hydrated and getting adequate amounts of sleep each night actually do make a difference in our overall health and wellbeing, and the same is true when you’re trying to conceive. Interested in a detox? We’ve created our Expectant Mother’s Detox Guide to help.

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