The few months leading up to trying for a baby is just as important as the pregnancy itself – and it should be. Bringing a little human into the world takes a whole lot of planning! So we’re taking a deep dive into getting all of your ducks in a row before you start trying.

From finances to health, holidays and lifestyle, here’s everything you need to do before you actually start trying for a baby.

1. Have A Health Checkup

Both you and your partner should make an appointment with your doctor to chat about your health, and have some tests, about three to six months before you begin trying.

It’s also the perfect time to chat to your doctor about any other issues you may be having, for example if you have any gynaecological conditions that need monitoring, or if you’re on any medications.

A visit to your dentist also needs to be on the cards – pregnancy can play havoc with your gums and teeth, so it’s best to make sure any dental work is up to date.

2. Chat About Your Family Medical History

While you’re getting all of your health checks, it’s the perfect time for you and your partner to talk about any family medical issues that may impact fertility, pregnancy or your future children. This discussion may have to extend to you and your partner’s parents, so you can get a full picture.

 3. Start Prenatal Vitamins

Your body will undergo some incredible changes and challenges during pregnancy. Starting a prenatal multivitamin at least one month before you start trying for a baby can help build up the levels of nutrients you’re going to need to grow a little human!

Elevit Pre-conception & Pregnancy Multivitamin is a once-a-day supplement scientifically formulated to meet those increased nutritional needs during pre-conception and throughout trimester 1, 2 and 3.

Elevit is committed to reducing neural tube defects * and supporting prenatal scientific progress, which is why Elevit Pre-conception & pregnancy contains 19 micronutrients and no other prenatal vitamins contains more folic acid & iron, protecting your little one before they come into the world^.

*Taken at least one month prior to and during pregnancy may reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Do not exceed the stated dose except on medical advice. If you have had a baby with a neural tube defect/spina bifida, seek specific medical advice.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

4. Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes

When it comes to getting your body ready for pregnancy, it helps to put your healthiest foot forward.

And there’s no better time to get into some exercise if you’ve been putting it off! Being above or below a healthy weight can make it harder to fall pregnant, so have a talk to your doctor.

5. Do A Financial Checkup

Having a baby is expensive. Going down to one wage can be stressful. So before you start trying, it’s time to go through your finances with a fine tooth comb.

Check what your paternal leave options are at your workplaces, and what government entitlements you may be able to get once the baby arrives.

If you already have private health insurance, give your policy the once over to see what you’re covered for. And if you aren’t covered, it may worth looking into it, or seeing what public health services are available in your area.

6. Track Your Cycle

Getting to know your cycle will play a crucial role in helping you fall pregnant, so it’s really beneficially to start tracking it in the months leading up.

But before you do, chat to your doctor about stopping the contraception you’re on. Depending on what you’re using, your doctor will recommend the best time to stop and when it’s safe to start trying. You may need to wait a couple of months just to track your cycle as it falls back into a natural rhythm.

7. Have A Heart To Heart About Parenting

This is probably one of the most overlooked conversations but it’s the most important. Parenting involves making big decisions about your children – from the type of school you want them to attend, to the kind of discipline style you want to adopt. And once your baby is on the way, it’s too late to discover you’re not on the same page.

Take the time to have an honest chat or two about how you want to parent your children, and make sure your values align.

8. Take A Fresh Look At Your Home

Babies needs lots of stuff (even though they’re little) and it only gets worse as they get older. While your home may be perfect for life as a couple, it’s time to look at it with fresh eyes.

If you don’t think it’s big enough, it may be worth renovating before you start trying for a baby (renovating with a baby is hard work!).

9. Take A Holiday!

Babymoons are great, but you never know how you’re going to feel once you’re pregnant. So taking a well-deserved break before you start trying is the perfect way to celebrate your time as a couple, relax and start planning for what’s ahead.

Elevit supports baby’s healthy development. Always read the label and follow directions for use.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Elevit to bring you this article.