Don't Try to Conceive Before You Read This Article

When you're ready to have a baby, the wait can be excruciating. If you're on birth control, going off can mean that your body also needs time to rebalance hormones naturally. If only trying to conceive (TTC) was simple! When you're trying to conceive a baby, it's important to be as healthy and prepared as possible. The good news is that there are things you can do before trying for a baby that can help put your body in optimal condition for conception. Here are eight must-haves when you're trying to conceive:

Take a Fertility Test

Even if you haven't started trying yet, knowing where your hormonal fertility is can help you tremendously. It can save you a ton of heartache to take an infertility test to start, find out you need help, and get the support you need to have a baby early in your trying-to-conceive journey. It may even be as simple as needing to lose a few extra pounds or taking medication once a month to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Both partners should get tested for infertility to ensure that they each get the support they need to have children.

Research Your Fertility Options

There are so many options available for fertility. Whether you are going to need to have artificial insemination using your partner's sperm, or you need full IVF support, there are plenty of ways to have a baby nowadays. You may even be able to get donor sperm or eggs if for some reason either you or your partner don't produce healthy eggs or sperm. Medication, surrogacy, and donor embryos are also options.

Know Your Cycle, and Keep Track of Everything

It's critical to know your cycle and to track it when you are trying to conceive. This can ensure that you and your partner are maximizing your time together on your most fertile days. You'll want to know when you are most likely to ovulate. Fortunately, there are smart thermometers and apps that can assist you in tracking your fertility and your cycles. You also want to make sure that none of the medications you're on can inhibit your fertility as well.

Both of You Should Eat a Healthy Diet

Eat a balanced diet. A healthy diet is necessary for fertility, so it's important to make sure that both you and your partner eat well. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, meats, and whole grains while staying away from processed foods including sugar. You'll also want to eat food rich in folates like spinach and broccoli. You can even get on a prenatal vitamin early to make sure to close any gaps in your diet. You will also want to reduce your caffeine intake and consider giving up alcohol completely while you are trying to conceive. Plus, it's also important to stop smoking and to quit doing drugs if you want to get pregnant and keep your baby as healthy as possible throughout the pregnancy.

Lift Weights, Stretch, and Do Light Cardio

These are all things that you should be doing on a regular basis, whether or not you are trying to conceive. Lifting weights helps build strength in your muscles so that they can support your body better, which is especially important if you plan on getting pregnant soon. It also improves bone density, which may help prevent pregnancy-related osteoporosis. Stretching helps improve flexibility and mobility while also calming the mind. Then of course, cardio helps burn calories and keep your heart healthy--and if you're trying to get pregnant soon, it'll help keep any extra pounds off until after conception.

Keep a Good Attitude

A positive attitude is important for conception. When you are trying to conceive, it is easy to get frustrated and discouraged if you don't get pregnant as soon as you had hoped. Maintaining a positive outlook can help keep your spirits up during this time, which may make it easier for you to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. You can even ask your faith community for prayers, affirmations, and good vibes while you are trying to conceive.

Understand That it Could Take a Year or More to get Pregnant

It's important to understand that it could take a year or more to get pregnant. Don't give up if you don't get pregnant right away, and don't be discouraged if you don't get pregnant in the first few months. This can be an emotional time for couples trying to conceive, so stay positive and keep going. If it's been a year or more, look at additional treatment options with your doctor.