Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy: Prenatal Basics
Updated: 13 hours ago
You're thinking about having a baby, maybe soon, maybe someday. And you want to start off on the right foot. But the internet is full of conflicting advice, and the vitamin aisle is overwhelming.
Oye, nena (hey, babe), let's keep it simple. Here are the basics.
Prenatal basics: the quick answer
The best time to start caring for a future pregnancy is a few months before you start trying. The big ones: a good prenatal with folate, nourishing food, water, sleep, movement, and a preconception visit with your doctor or midwife.
Your baby's brain and spine start forming very early, often before you even know you're pregnant. That's why getting the basics in place ahead of time matters.
Start with a preconception visit
Primero lo primero: first things first. Your doctor or midwife can:
Review your medications and supplements
Check labs like iron, vitamin D, and thyroid
Update vaccines if needed
Talk through any health conditions that need attention before pregnancy
Start a prenatal early
A quality prenatal covers the nutrients that matter most early on, especially folate. Some women do better with methylfolate, an active form of folate. Ask your provider which is right for you.
Supplements I trust
These are the Thorne picks I trust for preparing for pregnancy and during it. Always check with your OB, midwife, or doctor first.
Basic Prenatal
Prenatal DHA (omega-3)
5-MTHF (methylfolate), if your provider recommends extra
Everyday basics
Eat real food: protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Drink water and keep electrolytes in mind on hot or active days
Move your body in ways you enjoy
Cut back on alcohol and smoking, and ask your provider about caffeine
Protect your sleep
Lower stress where you can
Poco a poco: little by little. You don't have to be perfect.
What I tell my clients: caring for your body before pregnancy isn't only about vitamins. It's also about walking into this season feeling supported. Massage before pregnancy can help with stress, tension, and sleep, and it's a lovely habit to carry into your pregnancy.
Here's your chisme for today: bring all your supplement bottles to your preconception visit. Créeme, believe me: it's so much easier for your provider to check the labels than to guess from memory.
When to talk to your doctor
Ojo, watch out: talk to your doctor before trying if you take any prescription medications, have a chronic health condition, have had a previous pregnancy loss or complication, or if your cycles are very irregular.
Ready to start?
If you're in Sacramento and preparing for pregnancy, I'd love to support you along the way.
I'm a Certified Massage Therapist (CAMTC No. 39170), not a doctor. This post is for education, not medical advice. These statements haven't been evaluated by the FDA, and supplements aren't intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. I earn a commission on purchases made through my Thorne store.
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