Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy: A 3-Month Guide
Thinking about growing your family is an exciting milestone. Preparing your body for pregnancy before you conceive is one of the best ways to support a healthy journey for both you and your future baby.
At Novel OBGYN in Coral Gables, Florida, Dr. Lorena Tinoco, Dr. Madelyn Gonzalez, and our experienced team provide personalized care to guide you through every step of this journey. Whether you're just starting to think about children or actively trying, our comprehensive obstetrics services help you lay a strong foundation.
Why preconception care matters now
Preconception health focuses on optimizing your physical and mental well-being before pregnancy to improve outcomes for both mother and baby. This preparation is increasingly critical today, as recent data shows a concerning decline in the number of pregnant women receiving early prenatal care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of births in the United States to individuals beginning prenatal care in their first trimester dropped to 75.5% in 2024. Starting your health journey early helps ensure you and your baby get the support you need right from the start.
Your 3-month preconception checklist
It’s never too soon to start preparing your body for pregnancy, but a three-month window is ideal for making key lifestyle adjustments. Before thinking about colors for the nursery, put the following at the top of your preconception checklist:
1. Schedule a preconception visit
Meeting with our team allows us to evaluate your overall health and discuss any fertility concerns. We review your medical history, check your immunizations, and address any pre-existing conditions that could affect your pregnancy.
Our goal is to ensure that you’re healthy enough to conceive. If you need any treatment before you try to get pregnant, we can get you started on that right away.
2. Start taking folic acid daily
Taking a daily prenatal vitamin is crucial for your baby's early development. The Office on Women's Health recommends taking 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day before conception to lower the risk of severe birth defects of the brain and spine.
3. Focus on beneficial nutrition
Fueling your body with nutrient-dense foods builds the reserves you need for pregnancy. It's also important to bust the common myth that pregnancy means you should be eating for two.
The Society of Behavioral Medicine notes that doubling your food intake causes harmful weight gain. Expecting mothers typically need only a small caloric increase — equivalent to one extra snack per day — to support a growing baby.
Partnering with our team for a healthy pregnancy
Every pregnancy journey is unique, and our team is here to provide personalized guidance to help you feel confident and prepared. We offer comprehensive gynecology and obstetric care tailored to your specific health goals, helping you navigate everything from fertility assessments to prenatal checkups.
If you're ready to begin your journey toward parenthood, we're here to support you. Contact Novel OBGYN today to schedule your preconception consultation.
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