Your Preconception Checklist: How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy

Getting your body ready for pregnancy is a journey that starts months before conception. Use our comprehensive checklist to ensure a healthy start for you and your baby.

pre-pregnancy Dr. James A. Gohar MD, FACOG 10 min read
Woman reviewing a preconception checklist and planning steps before trying to conceive

TL;DR

Preparing for pregnancy involves more than just stopping birth control. Key steps include scheduling a preconception checkup, starting a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, reviewing medications with your doctor, and ensuring your vaccinations are up to date. Starting these steps three to six months before trying to conceive is ideal.

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Important

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, hypertension, or epilepsy, do not stop your medications without consulting your doctor, as uncontrolled conditions can be more harmful to a pregnancy than the medications themselves.

In This Article

When should I schedule my preconception checkup?

You should ideally schedule a preconception visit with your OB/GYN three to six months before you plan to start trying to conceive.

A preconception visit is one of the most proactive steps you can take. During this appointment, we review your personal and family medical history, your surgical history, and any previous pregnancy outcomes. It's a time to identify potential risks and create a plan to optimize your health before an egg is even fertilized. At Viva Eve, we use this visit to perform a thorough physical exam and order baseline lab work. We’ll check your blood type, screen for anemia, and ensure your thyroid function is within the optimal range for pregnancy. This visit isn't about looking for problems; it's about building the strongest possible foundation for your future pregnancy.

Which vaccinations do I need before getting pregnant?

It is essential to ensure you are immune to rubella (German measles) and varicella (chickenpox) before pregnancy, as these infections can cause severe birth defects.

Some vaccines, known as 'live virus' vaccines, cannot be given during pregnancy. If a blood test shows you are not immune to rubella or varicella, we recommend getting vaccinated at least one month before you start trying to conceive. We will also check if you are up to date on your Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and your annual flu shot. Having your immunity confirmed provides peace of mind. While it might seem like a small detail, protecting yourself from these preventable illnesses significantly reduces the risk of complications like congenital rubella syndrome. We can easily check your 'titers' (immunity levels) during your initial checkup at our Forest Hills or Midtown East locations.

Do I need to change my current medications?

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications are safe during pregnancy, but some should be swapped for safer alternatives before you conceive.

Everything from blood pressure medications and antidepressants to acne treatments (like Accutane) and even some herbal supplements can impact fetal development. During your preconception visit, bring a full list of everything you take — including 'natural' supplements which are often not as harmless as they seem. Our goal is to find the 'lowest effective dose' of the safest medication for you. We never want you to struggle with an untreated condition, so we work collaboratively with your other specialists to ensure your health remains a priority. Remember: never stop a prescribed medication cold turkey without talking to us first.

How early should I start taking prenatal vitamins?

You should start taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid at least one to three months before you stop using birth control.

The first few weeks of pregnancy are a time of rapid development for the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Often, this happens before you've even missed a period. By starting your prenatal vitamins early, you ensure your body has a 'reservoir' of folic acid (vitamin B9) to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. Not all prenatal vitamins are created equal. We look for those that also include iron, iodine, and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids). If standard prenatals make you feel nauseous, we can suggest gummy versions or different times of day to take them. The most important thing is that the folic acid is there from day one.
Oral health is linked to pregnancy outcomes. Gum disease (periodontitis) has been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight. Schedule a dental cleaning and exam as part of your preconception preparation to handle any issues before you are pregnant.

What lifestyle changes should I make today?

Focus on achieving a healthy weight, quitting smoking or vaping, and limiting alcohol and caffeine as you prepare for pregnancy.

Being either significantly under- or overweight can impact your ovulation and increase the risk of complications like gestational diabetes. However, we don't expect you to be 'perfect.' Small, sustainable shifts in your activity levels and nutrition make a bigger difference than crash diets. Quitting smoking and avoiding all recreational drugs is essential, as these directly impact egg quality and blood flow to the uterus. Regarding alcohol, there is no known 'safe' amount once you are pregnant. Many women choose to stop drinking entirely once they start trying to conceive to avoid any accidental exposure in those first few weeks. Reducing caffeine to one cup a day is also a good 'practice run' for the second and third trimesters.

Should I consider preconception genetic testing?

Preconception carrier screening is a simple blood or saliva test that can tell you if you carry a gene for certain inherited conditions like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia.

Many people are carriers of genetic conditions without ever having a symptom or a family history. If both you and your partner are carriers of the same condition, there is a 25% chance your baby could be affected. Testing before you are pregnant gives you more time to understand your options and make informed decisions about your family's future. At Viva Eve, we offer expanded carrier screening that can check for hundreds of conditions. It is an optional but highly valuable tool for many couples. If you're curious about your genetic risks, we can discuss the pros and cons during your preconception visit.

How does mental health play into my pregnancy preparation?

Mental health is physical health. Addressing stress, anxiety, or depression before you conceive helps you navigate the hormonal shifts of pregnancy more effectively.

The journey to parenthood can be emotionally taxing. If you have a history of depression or anxiety, now is the time to check in with your therapist or psychiatrist. We want you to have a strong support system in place before the 'pregnancy brain' and fatigue kick in. Practicing stress-reduction techniques like prenatal yoga, meditation, or simply setting boundaries at work can improve your overall well-being. At Viva Eve, we care about the whole you, not just your reproductive organs. When you feel emotionally grounded, you are better prepared for the incredible transformation that pregnancy brings.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

It is possible to get pregnant almost immediately after stopping most forms of hormonal birth control (like the pill, patch, or ring). While it may take a few months for your cycle to become regular, you can ovulate as soon as two weeks after your last dose. We recommend starting your prenatal vitamins before you stop.

Yes. Even if you feel perfectly healthy, a preconception visit can identify 'silent' issues like low iron, thyroid dysfunction, or a lack of immunity to certain diseases. It also allows us to review your family history for risks you might not have considered.

Absolutely. While there are slightly higher risks for certain conditions as you get older, most women over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Preconception care is especially important to identify any age-related factors early and ensure you have the right monitoring in place.

Focus on a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like those found in the Mediterranean diet). These foods provide the antioxidants and nutrients needed for egg quality. Check out our guide on fertility-friendly nutrition for more details.

Yes! Your partner's health is just as important. They should also focus on a healthy diet, quit smoking, and limit alcohol to improve sperm quality. We often recommend that partners also take a daily multivitamin with zinc and antioxidants.

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