Pregnancy is a big life change, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the prospect of getting pregnant. You might be asking yourself how you’re supposed to get your body ready. Whether you’re currently trying to get pregnant or you’re considering the possibility in the near future, there are some great ways to start preparing your body for a healthy conception, pregnancy and baby.

• Know your body and your cycle – Tracking your cycle is one of the first things you can start doing. You are only fertile for about 4-5 days each cycle, so knowing the days that are best for conception will help you a lot. There are many handy apps that can help you keep track.

• Plan ahead – Allow plenty of time to get your hormones and nutrients at the right levels. You want to be at your best health before you conceive. Talk to your doctor about starting a plan with goals and dates.

• Get your hormones in balance – If your oestrogen or progesterone levels are imbalanced, it may be more difficult for you to fall pregnant and stay pregnant. If you’re concerned that your periods are irregular or painful, seek medical advice. You might have a hormone imbalance.

• Support your microbiomes and build nutrient stores – Vaginal microbiomes play a big part in healthy pregnancy, so try to include probiotic-rich foods in your diet (sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha etc). It’s also good to start building up nutrient stores – focus on Zinc, B12, B9, Iodine, Selenium and Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA.

Do you have any pregnancy preparation tips? Share them in the comments!