Preg Prep

Things I've done to date to prepare for pregnancy and baby:

1. Checked out any unusual symptoms I'd been having BEFORE we started trying.  This was really good because I found out I have Hypothyroidism.

2. Discussed existing conditions (hypothyroidism) and how they might affect me and my baby during pregnancy.  My primary care physician helped me come up with an action plan for monitoring my condition during pregnancy.  This plan includes taking steps like going from blood tests every 3 months to every month during and just after pregnancy because during this time my levels can go a little haywire.

3.  Taking a more natural & green approach to life in many little ways. 

Food: I don't keep a lot of crappy foods around the house anymore.  If it's not here, usually (and this of course doesn't include times of intense mood or PMS induced cravings for which I would jump through hoops to feed) I won't eat it.  We've switched to 100% whole grains for everything we can (pasta, bread, brown rice etc.).  Many produce items are organic for us now and I spend a lot more time cooking for us than eating out.  I figured that if I can find healthy foods and meals that I actually like to replace the ones I used to crave then it won't be so hard for me to eat healthy during pregnancy and lose weight afterwards.  This process was made a lot easier for me when Trader Joe's moved just up the street from me.  I highly recommend them!  Their prices on the natural/organic/sustainable items I buy there are much cheaper than Whole Foods and similar or cheaper to the same items I would buy at my local grocery store.  (And because their reusable grocery bags are so cute I hardly ever forget to bring mine in!)

Home: Even though, at this point, I can't afford to replace our gross heavy drapes (came with the house) or allergen filled carpet in the room where I plan to create a nursery (I really really want to put in bamboo or other sustainable hard flooring), I can do my best to keep my in-home environment baby-friendly.  I've switched to naturally derived cleaners.  I use Ecover products and Mrs. Meyers products for the laundry (they now make baby laundry & surface cleaner too!).  Don't get me wrong, I still use the convenient mildew/soap scum removing automatic shower sprayer, disposable Clorox toilet cleaners and swiffer dusters.  So, I'm not exactly filling a bottle with water & vinegar or doing my laundry with baking soda.  I'm just changing things little by little in ways I'm most comfortable.  I can't stand roaches, so the bug guy comes every other month to keep me safe from them.  I just make sure the house is well-ventilated before he gets here and leave with windows cracked and fans going for a while to let things air our a bit.  So, I try to be educated, but only do what I can.  Sitting here thinking of hidden dust mites and the dangers of formaldehyde and other chemicals that might be contaminating the air and causing me and, in the future, my baby harm can (and does on occasion) drive me crazy!  So, I try to just take it all in, be aware, but not go overboard.  If I could afford replace all my carpet with sustainable allergen-free bamboo, paint the entire inside of my home with no VOC or milk paints and discover and replace any surface in my home emitting VOC's with ones that don't maybe I would.  But for now...no.

4. I got off birth control and on Prenatals 3 months prior to trying.

5. Read lots and lots about conception, pregnancy, and newborns.  I have scoured numberless websites, books, and magazines for any and all information I could get my mind around. 

6. Set up a support system.  A very few close and personal friends know I'm currently trying to conceive.  This is important to me because these are the people who I know will give me comfort and advice through any trials and rejoice with me over any successes.  I think this is the wisest decision because letting everybody know at this point or even if/when we initially conceive is a very delicate matter.  Letting everybody know and then having to deal with unspoken criticism or let down expectations when things don't happen quickly or of the fetus isn't viable and results in miscarriage would just put more pressure on me.  I have an incredibly different spectrum of family and friends and , therefore, expect to receive enough appreciated and unwarranted advice and caution from everyone the minute I'm far enough along in my pregnancy to share the happy news and then ongoing into motherhood.  Now, when I'm in a more vulnerable state, I don't need or want any of it.  Except, of course, from those who I am closest to and trust with my feelings. 

-Jessy