Gaining insight in your physical health, and learning how you can prepare and promote a healthy pregnancy is beneficial before trying to conceive. Preconception care is an investment in your future well-being and your baby’s development.
At Dr. Alan B. Patterson’s OB-GYN clinic in Coral Springs, Florida, you can expect specialized care through every stage of your family planning process — from preconception and prenatal care to labor, delivery, and postnatal care.
With decades of experience and a strong dedication to customized care, Dr. Patterson and our team can help you make educated decisions and invest time in all the right efforts to prepare for pregnancy. Here’s how to get your body ready before you conceive.
It’s wise to start with a women’s wellness visit, with emphasis on a preconception check-up. This gives our team the opportunity to review your medical history, assess your current health, and identify or address chronic conditions, such as:
These conditions may affect fertility or lead to complications during pregnancy. Dr. Patterson spends focused time with you, tailoring your visit to your specific needs. Early awareness leads to smarter planning and better outcomes.
Not all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements are safe during early pregnancy. Even common ones like certain acne treatments, antidepressants, or herbal remedies may need to be discontinued when you’re trying to conceive.
Some can interfere with ovulation, others may increase the risk of birth defects. Bring a complete list of all your medications, including vitamins, prescriptions, and even occasional pain killers, to your preconception appointment.
Dr. Patterson will review each one with you and recommend safe alternatives if needed, so you’re not unknowingly risking your fertility or your baby’s development.
Prenatal vitamins aren’t just beneficial during pregnancy, they’re helpful before you conceive. Folic acid, in particular, should be taken at least one month before trying to conceive. This helps to avoid neural tube abnormalities, which can develop in the early stages of pregnancy.
Look for a formula with iron, vitamin D, calcium, DHA, and iodine to support both your reproductive system and future baby.
Carrying excess body weight can interfere with ovulation, and being underweight may disrupt your menstrual cycle altogether. Both situations increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.
The good news? Even small, sustainable changes in your weight can improve your fertility and reduce these risks. Dr. Patterson can assess your BMI and create a realistic, healthy plan that works for your lifestyle.
Hormonal balance, immune support, and emotional resilience all start with your everyday habits. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, eat a balanced, wholesome diet rich in fiber and antioxidants, stay active with moderate exercise like walking or yoga, and find ways to manage stress through mindfulness, therapy, or support networks.
These habits boost fertility and help you feel stronger and more in control.
Knowing when you ovulate can greatly increase your odds of conceiving. Start tracking your cycle length, symptoms, and ovulation signs like changes in cervical mucus or basal body temperature.
Apps can help, but pairing digital tracking with body awareness gives you better insight into your fertile window. If your cycle is irregular, our team can help uncover the cause, whether it’s hormonal, structural, or due to something else. The goal is to optimize intercourse timing and improve your chances of getting pregnant naturally.
What you do before pregnancy matters. With the right preparation and a supportive OB-GYN like Dr. Patterson, you’ll feel ready for the next chapter. Contact us today to schedule your preconception consultation and get the expert care you deserve.
