When it comes to starting a family, many people focus on what happens after the positive pregnancy test. What you do before conception matters just as much, if not more, than what comes after! The months leading up to pregnancy is a powerful window of time to prepare your body, balance your hormones, and reduce the risk of complications. Prioritizing your health now can shape the future health of both you and your baby, whether you are actively trying or just thinking about pregnancy for the future.

Why Preconception Health Matters

• Most of an infant’s organs are beginning to develop and form within the first eight weeks of pregnancy, which is often before someone even realizes they are pregnant. This means the body’s nutritional and metabolic environment needs to be ready from day one. Check out the latest clinical information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
• Poor conception health is linked to higher risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, miscarriage and birth defects—all of which can often be reduced with lifestyle and dietary changes before pregnancy.
• What a mother eats before pregnancy doesn’t just impact fertility; it can also influence her child’s lifelong risk of health issues like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

How to Get Started

As a dietitian, here are a few things I recommend to all birthing parents and their partners who are planning for pregnancy:

• Start taking a prenatal vitamin early, ideally one to three months before trying to conceive.
• Keep blood sugars steady by eating regular meals that include quality carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats.
• Achieve a healthy weight for your body. Being underweight or overweight can affect ovulation.
• Don’t forget the partners! Sperm health is influenced by diet, exercise, alcohol use, and stress.

Preconception health is not about being perfect: it’s about laying a strong foundation. Even small changes can have a powerful effect on your body. For personalized guidance and support with your nutrition goals, connect with OSU Health Plan Health Coach Jessica at Jessica.Hernandez@osumc.edu to schedule a phone-based Health Coaching session.