Planning for pregnancy? These tips can help

If you’re trying to get pregnant, you know how exciting this time of your life can be. It can also be physically exhausting and emotionally stressful, especially if it takes awhile to conceive. Fertility struggles are a very common problem. Estimates suggest that 12% to 15% of couples in the United States are unable to conceive after a year of trying. If you’re preparing to get pregnant, here are a few simple tips to help you take care of yourself throughout the process.

Once you decide to try to conceive, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as part of your pregnancy preparation. Your provider can order pre-pregnancy tests to check for the risk of certain genetic disorders and can support you in making any necessary lifestyle changes. Your provider can also make sure that you’re up to date on all your immunizations before you get pregnant.

We’ll help you stay up to date on recommended vaccines. To make an appointment, visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine.

Prenatal vitamins are formulated to provide essential vitamins and minerals for both mom and baby. Research shows that healthy levels of folic acid (vitamin B9) can help prevent serious birth defects that may develop very early in the pregnancy (as early as 3 to 4 weeks, which is before most women know they’re pregnant). That means that if you’re trying to conceive, taking a prenatal vitamin every day is a smart way to protect your baby’s development from day one.

We’ll help you find the right vitamins. Use our Vitamin & Supplement Selector Tool to find products best suited to your needs.

See how Walgreens and Vitamin Angels are empowering women to take control of their health and well-being.¹

If you’re feeling worried or overwhelmed these days, you’re not alone. But if you’re trying to conceive, it’s a good idea to find healthy ways to deal with those feelings. Studies suggest that stress can make it harder to get pregnant, which can be challenging if fertility struggles are a source of that stress. Try a few stress-busting self-care techniques, from spending time outside to connecting with friends. Establishing habits that support your emotional health now will continue to benefit you throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Check out some simple ways to give your everyday mental well-being a boost.

Research suggests that problems with sleep can make it harder to conceive. That means that if you’re trying to get pregnant, getting good-quality sleep each night is a smart move. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night.

When it comes to getting pregnant, timing is important. Knowing where you are in your cycle, and when you’re due to ovulate, can help you see the days on which you’re most likely to get pregnant, so you can plan accordingly. There are several apps available to help you get a handle on your cycle, and some smartphones even have built-in cycle tracking already included in their health apps.

Taking steps to get as healthy as possible before you conceive can help you withstand the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth. It’s a great idea, for example, to exercise regularly, eat well and stay hydrated. But cutting out unhealthy habits now—like alcohol use and smoking, both of which are associated with reproductive risks—is another important way you can improve your health ahead of time. Stopping now will also make it easier to avoid drinking and smoking once you’re pregnant, helping to protect your baby from a host of serious health problems.

Women are particularly susceptible to developing dental problems during pregnancy, like gingivitis and cavities. Some oral health problems can even spell trouble for the developing fetus’s teeth, too. That’s why it’s important to make sure your teeth are in good shape before you get pregnant. Schedule a checkup with your dentist as part of your pregnancy preparation, and make sure to keep up with brushing and flossing both before and during pregnancy.

For more fertility resources and services, visit Walgreens Find Care^®

This article is meant for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare professional.

Disclaimers:

*Vaccines subject to availability. State-, age- and health-related restrictions may apply.

1. From 1/1/2021-12/31/2023, Walgreens will donate 1% of participating products' retail sales to Vitamin Angels.

2. Walgreens Find Care® allows certain healthcare providers that have contracted with Walgreens to advertise and provide information to consumers about their respective healthcare services. All healthcare organizations listed in the Walgreens Find Care tool have contracted with Walgreens to be listed on these webpages and to display information that they have provided about their services. All healthcare services are provided solely by the independent healthcare provider organizations listed, according to the particular organization's own policies and terms. The healthcare provider organizations and their respective healthcare providers are not employees or agents of Walgreens or any Walgreens subsidiary or affiliate company. Information about the listed healthcare organizations and their respective services is provided by the particular organization and should not be viewed as a recommendation, endorsement or guarantee by Walgreens. Walgreens is not responsible for, and disclaims all liability for, the listed provider services.