If you're looking to conceive or you're already pregnant, you're probably wondering how to be the healthiest version for you and baby. 

Living well starts with limiting our body’s exposure to negative things. From our mindset and mental health to the food we eat or the environment we live in, we are constantly absorbing.

And the things we absorb around us impact our child's future when we’re going through the first steps of bringing a life to the world. Here are some simple methods to strengthen your mind and body! 

From Conception to Pregnancy — A Journey for Healthy Fertility

It can be intimidating at first to think of the responsibility, but don’t let it worry you. You may not be a perfect parent for your child — but you will be the parent that he or she needs! 

Simply knowing and understanding how to set your body up for success will help you calmly and confidently move into whichever stage of baby life you’re approaching.

Here are ten things you can do to increase your wellness as you walk through fertility and pregnancy!

Wellness for Fertility

If you’re preparing your body for pregnancy — congratulations! 

You and your life partner are approaching an exciting time. It can be a journey for some while others get pregnant on the first try. Know that whatever your story looks like, you can have faith and work on your health for you and your future child. 

1. Destress Your Life.
   
   Your mind, body, and spirit are all connected, impacting your body and your fertility. Take stock of your day-to-stress, anxiety, and any other emotional issues.
   
   Journaling, thankfulness, and meditation, and prayer can all help you relieve tension, but you may also need to take steps to balance your hormones and help your body find a normal state. Check if you’re exercising too much, drinking too much caffeine, and if you have healthy, most supportive people around you. Finding balance in all these areas can either positively or negatively impact your fertility.
   
   
2. Detoxify Your Home.
   
   If you haven’t faced many health challenges, you may not realize that our American regulations allow way more toxic chemicals into cleaning supplies, makeups and body products, supplements, and even foods than the majority of European countries.
   
   Take a look at Think Dirty or MADE SAFEⓇ for some companies that hold to higher standards. Everything in your body will contribute to your baby’s growth, and you want those things to be as chemical-free as possible.
   
   
3. Determine Your Nutrition Goals.
   
   Many suggest taking a multivitamin through fertility and beyond — and if you’re not eating well, that can definitely help. But try to get your nutrition from whole foods and naturally potent herbals, adaptogens, and supplements. Your body will thank you for it. 
   
   We love drinking healthy beverages that help our bodies function well — and celery juice with a squeeze of lemon first thing in the morning helps the body reset and delivers a fantastic benefit to the female cycle!
   
   
4. Start Tracking.
   
   If you need to use a fertility tracker to conceive, it’s not as scary or intimidating as you may think. Understanding how your cervix works and knowing your body is liberating and gives you more control over every aspect of your cycle!
   
   
5. Talk About Your Questions.
   
   If you have been struggling to conceive, it may be time to find a naturopathic medical professional to help you through your conception. 

Wellness throughout Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, you may be at that point of shock, wonder, a little illness, and a whole lot of nervous joy! You’ll definitely face ups and downs depending on your hormone levels, nutrition, energy, and more — but you’re growing your little one, and it will all be worth it when you hold that precious baby.

Here are some ways to help your body acclimate and continue to stay well during pregnancy —

1. Limit Your Trans Fats and Enjoy Healthy Fats.
   
   Trans fats are the awful elements in artificial and processed foods. It happens when hydrogen is added to vegetable oils, making it solid at room temperature. Yuck. Opt for avocados and naturally occurring fats in organically and sustainably raised dairy, meat, and fish.
   
   
2. Stay active.
   
   While it may be tempting to rest all the time, your body needs to move. You are preparing for a marathon at the end of your pregnancy — and with it, you need the stamina to get through.
   
   Maintain a moderate level of movement and elevate your heart rate to keep your body healthy. You don’t want to overdo it, but don’t stop walking, doing yoga, and having sex with your husband! All of these things will keep you feeling good and staying well for your biggest physical challenge yet.
   
   
3. Cut the Caffeine.
   
   It’s such a hard time to do it, but it’s best for mom and for baby. It may take a few days to get used to the change, but often an herbal tea or chai can help you enjoy something warm and get proper hydration without getting the jitters or the afternoon crash. If it’s proving to be hard, move to one cup a day, and then take it down an ounce. You can do it!
   
   
   
   
4. Fuel Your Body for Digestion.
   
   Instead of fueling your cravings, find easy nutrition throughout the day and look for a digestive boost whenever you can! Ginger really can help when you’re in a bind and don’t feel great. But if you’re proactive with eating blood-sugar-stabling foods, you can avoid crashes that may fuel hormonal imbalances.
   
   
5. Listen to Your Body.
   
   If you need rest, take a break. If you need mental wellness, stop what you’re doing and journal or do some breathing exercises. If you need to let your emotions out, cry. You have permission today and every day to take care of your body as you care for others!
   
   As mothers, we are constantly serving and doing and moving — but what better gift can you give to your children and your family than a healthy mom? 

Friend, you can do this. Every day is a new opportunity to live well in the moments and be a healthier version of yourself. We’re cheering you on to find wellness and joy, especially in the quiet everyday moments as you’re growing your family and your future.