russia has launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. Donate to support Ukraine and protect the world’s peace.

What To Expect Before You're Expecting

summary ofWhat To Expect Before You're ExpectingBook by Heidi Murkoff, Sharon Mazel

14 min
00:00
/
00:00
Get full summary

You’ll learn

  • To understand your body
  • Diet and lifestyle choices that impact fertility
  • About mental readiness for parenthood
  • Common challenges in fertility

first KEY POINT

Preparing for the journey of parenthood

Are you thinking about starting a family? There's a lot to consider before you take that leap.The first thing you need to know is that your journey doesn't start from the moment of conception. Preparing for a baby begins way before that. Think of it as getting the soil ready before planting a seed. You want the best environment for that seed to grow, so you must put everything in place to prepare it before planting. The same goes for a baby.Now, you might wonder, “What can I do to prepare?” For starters, you and your partner play crucial roles in this process. From diet to lifestyle choices, everything counts. It’s essential to focus on what you eat, how often you exercise, and your medical history, as these elements can influence the journey ahead.Emotions play a vital part, too. Trying to conceive can be a rollercoaster of feelings. Sometimes, it might take longer than expected, leading to stress and strain in your relationship. But remember, you and your partner are in this together. Supporting each other during this time is paramount.

When pregnancy comes, it’s vital to be physically and mentally prepared.

Before starting this beautiful journey, you must arm yourself with knowledge. Seeking advice from experts or those who've been through the same thing can also be helpful. Their experiences can offer valuable insights to help you avoid common pitfalls.The more you know, the better prepared you'll be. But while there's a lot of information out there, not all is helpful or true. Myths about conception are everywhere, so knowing how to pick the correct information is essential. That's precisely what this summary is about. As you progress, you'll gain valuable knowledge on how to navigate the world of pregnancy.Let's jump right in!

second KEY POINT

Create a soft landing for your baby

Making babies goes beyond getting in the mood. That's the easy part. Before trying for a baby, you must prepare both your body and your partner's for the big event.How? By considering the following and making adjustments where necessary:Your drinks and medications: Check what you and your partner are consuming; this includes beverages, medications, and even vitamins. Some might not be suitable when you're trying to conceive. It's essential to be aware of what goes into your body, as certain substances (like alcohol) can affect fertility and the health of a potential baby.
Your habits: Some habits might need kicking to the curb; this is the time to start living healthily. Whether cutting back on caffeine, quitting smoking, or reducing alcohol intake, every positive change can make a difference in your fertility journey.
Your weight: Your weight plays a significant role in fertility. Whether you need to gain or lose it, now's the time to reach your ideal weight. Being too heavy or too light can affect your chances of conceiving and can also impact the health of your pregnancy. A BMI of 18.5 to 24 is considered average. Don't put yourself under undue pressure, but that's the ideal weight to aim for. Remember that proper nutrition and regular exercise can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight range.

book cover

Continue reading with Headway app

Continue reading

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

first KEY POINT

Your baby shares your diet

second KEY POINT

Understanding ovulation and fertility

third KEY POINT

Recognizing early signs of pregnancy

fourth KEY POINT

When to seek assistance

fifth KEY POINT

Starting over and planning for fertility

sixth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel are writers passionate about the health of mothers and babies. They inspire and educate moms worldwide through books, speaking engagements, and coaching programs.

Join 55+ million learners worldwide

172K 5 reviews on App Store and Google Play

Get started

Frequently asked questions

What is What To Expect Before You're Expecting: The Complete Preconception Plan about?

What To Expect Before You're Expecting: The Complete Preconception Plan is a comprehensive guide by Heidi Murkoff designed to help couples prepare for pregnancy. It addresses key topics such as fertility, health, and emotional readiness, providing essential information for those planning to conceive.

How many pages is What To Expect Before You're Expecting: The Complete Preconception Plan and when was it published?

This book spans approximately 432 pages and was published on April 1, 2015. It offers an extensive look into preconception planning, ensuring you have all the necessary guidance before starting a family.

Is What To Expect Before You're Expecting: The Complete Preconception Plan worth reading?

Yes, What To Expect Before You're Expecting: The Complete Preconception Plan is considered worth reading for those looking to enhance their pre-pregnancy knowledge. The book is filled with practical advice and insights that can be invaluable for couples planning to conceive.

What are the key takeaways from What To Expect Before You're Expecting: The Complete Preconception Plan?

Key takeaways include understanding the importance of preconception health, managing stress, and optimizing fertility. The book provides actionable advice on nutrition, lifestyle choices, and emotional readiness for becoming parents.

How can What To Expect Before You're Expecting: The Complete Preconception Plan help future parents?

What To Expect Before You're Expecting: The Complete Preconception Plan can help future parents by providing essential information on preparing for pregnancy. It equips couples with tools to enhance their physical and emotional health, making the journey toward parenthood smoother and more informed.