Wait! Do These 3 Things Before Getting Pregnant
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant—whether that’s in the next few months or sometime in the next year or two—there’s some genuinely important groundwork worth doing first. And no, this isn’t about creating the “perfect” conditions (because let’s be real, that doesn’t exist). It’s about setting yourself up physically, emotionally, and practically so that pregnancy feels more manageable and less overwhelming.
Here are three essential things to prioritize before you start trying to conceive.
1. Get Your Body Ready (And That Starts Now, Not Later)
Your body is going to do something absolutely incredible over the next nine months, so giving it the best possible foundation makes a real difference. And honestly? That preparation needs to start well before you see those two pink lines.
Focus on reaching a healthy weight for your body.
Being significantly over- or underweight can affect fertility and increase certain pregnancy complications. If you’ve been thinking about making changes to your health anyway, now’s genuinely a great time to start. And here’s the thing: sustainable weight changes don’t happen overnight, so give yourself several months to work on this gradually and healthily—no crash diets or extreme measures.
Build strength and stamina through movement you actually enjoy.
Find an exercise routine that feels sustainable and that you can realistically stick with—not something punishing that you’ll abandon in two weeks. Whether that’s yoga, swimming, walking, strength training, or dance classes, regular movement will help your body handle pregnancy better and recover faster afterward. If you’re new to exercise or have any health concerns, definitely work with a qualified trainer or physical therapist who can design a safe, effective program for you.
Clean up your eating habits—gradually and realistically.
Start incorporating more whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables into your regular diet. Make sure you’re getting enough calcium for strong bones (you’ll need it), iron to prevent anemia, and folate to support early fetal development. Building these habits now means you won’t have to completely overhaul your entire life once you’re pregnant and possibly dealing with morning sickness or exhaustion.
And please, if you’re smoking or drinking heavily, now’s the time to address those habits. Your future self—and your baby—will genuinely thank you.
2. Schedule a Preconception Appointment (Yes, Really)
This isn’t optional, and it’s not something to skip just because you feel generally healthy. A preconception visit with your doctor or OB-GYN is one of the most important steps you can take before trying to conceive.
Review your personal and family medical history.
Your doctor will want to know about any chronic conditions you have (like diabetes, thyroid issues, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disorders), as well as your family’s health history. Certain genetic conditions, such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, or Tay-Sachs, can be passed down. Knowing your risk factors ahead of time allows you to make informed decisions and plan accordingly.
Assess your current medications and supplements.
Some medications aren’t safe during pregnancy or can affect your ability to conceive. Your doctor can help you find safer alternatives or adjust dosages if needed. This is also when you’ll typically start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid (ideally at least three months before you start trying), which significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
Get up to date on vaccines and screenings.
Make sure your immunizations are current, especially for things like rubella and varicella (chickenpox), which can cause serious complications during pregnancy. Your doctor might also recommend screenings for STIs, thyroid function, and other health markers that could impact pregnancy.
Discuss your mental health openly and honestly.
If you have a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, talk to your doctor about how pregnancy might affect your symptoms and what support or treatment options are safe during pregnancy. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and having a plan in place before you conceive can make a huge difference.
3. Get Your Finances in Order (Because Babies Are Expensive)
Let’s talk about the part nobody really wants to discuss but absolutely needs to: money. Having a baby is expensive—like, genuinely, significantly expensive—and that reality doesn’t magically disappear just because you’re excited about becoming a parent.
Understand your health insurance coverage thoroughly.
Before you get pregnant, review your health insurance policy in detail. What does it cover for prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care? What are your deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums? If your coverage isn’t great, see if you can switch to a better plan during your employer’s open enrollment period or explore other insurance options.
Build an emergency fund specifically for baby-related costs.
Even with good insurance, there will be unexpected expenses. Start saving now—ideally several months’ worth of expenses if possible. This fund will cover things like copays, baby gear, childcare deposits, maternity clothes, and all those little things that add up shockingly fast.
Pay down high-interest debt if you can.
If you’re carrying significant credit card debt or other high-interest loans, consider focusing on paying those down before adding the financial pressure of a baby. You don’t need to be completely debt-free (that’s unrealistic for most people), but reducing your monthly obligations will give you more breathing room once the baby arrives.
Think about childcare costs realistically.
If you’re planning to return to work after maternity leave, research childcare costs in your area right now. Daycare, nannies, and even family-provided childcare all have financial implications. Some daycares have waitlists that are months or even a year long, so getting on those lists early can be crucial.
Also consider whether one partner staying home or working part-time makes more financial sense than paying for full-time childcare. Do the actual math—sometimes the numbers are surprising.
The Bottom Line
Having a baby is one of the biggest, most life-changing decisions you’ll ever make, and it deserves thoughtful preparation. You don’t need everything to be perfect—that’s an impossible standard. But taking time now to optimize your health, have honest conversations with your doctor, and get your financial house in order will make the entire pregnancy journey much less stressful.
When you’ve laid this groundwork, you can actually enjoy being pregnant instead of constantly worrying about whether you’re healthy enough, if you can afford it, or if you missed something important.
And that peace of mind? That’s genuinely one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your future baby.
