Why Your Health Before Pregnancy Matters — For Both of You
When most people think about pregnancy, they picture baby names, gender reveals, maybe some prenatals. But what almost no one talks about is how much your health before pregnancy can shape everything — from how easily you get pregnant, to how the pregnancy goes, to how the baby does long term. And it’s not just about the woman. The guy’s health really matters too. This isn’t about being perfect or living in fear. It’s just stuff I wish more people knew earlier — so they could feel more confident, less stressed, and better supported heading into that season.
It’s Not Just On Women
There’s still this old idea that fertility is mostly the woman’s responsibility. But actually, about half of fertility struggles come from the male side. And lifestyle makes a big difference — for both people. Things like:
Not getting enough sleep
Too much stress
Processed food
Inflammation
Hormone imbalances
Lack of movement
And even stuff like alcohol or plastics exposure
All of these can affect hormones, egg and sperm quality, and how the body handles pregnancy.
What Happens Before Pregnancy Matters More Than You Think
Even if you're not actively trying right now, how you're living today can affect what happens down the road — whether it’s next year or five years from now. For women, this can impact:
Hormone health
Egg quality
Blood sugar balance
Inflammation
Nutrient levels (think: iron, folate, omega-3s, etc.)
And for guys, it’s sperm quality, testosterone levels, and even the long-term health blueprint that gets passed on to the baby. Most people just aren’t told this. Which is wild, because it matters so much.
When Both People Are Worn Down…
When both partners are inflamed, stressed, nutrient-depleted, or just not feeling great, it can lead to:
Trouble getting pregnant
Higher risk of miscarriage
Pregnancy complications
Slower postpartum recovery
Even long-term health issues for the baby
This isn’t meant to stress anyone out — it’s just one of those things I wish people heard before they found themselves deep in Google searches wondering why it’s not happening or why it’s been so hard.
Where to Start
You don’t need to change everything overnight. Truly. But some small, consistent habits can make a difference, like:
Getting better sleep
Moving your body regularly
Eating more real, whole foods
Drinking more water
Getting blood work done so you know what your body needs
Creating space to lower stress in whatever way works for you
All of that helps your body get into a better, stronger place — whether you’re prepping for pregnancy or just want to feel better in your day-to-day life.
A Final Note
If starting a family is even something that’s on your radar, this stuff is worth knowing. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be obsessed. But taking care of your health now — and supporting your partner in doing the same — can make things easier later. Whether you're trying in a few months or a few years, I hope this helped connect some dots. And if you're already deep in this season, just know you're not alone. You're doing better than you think.
– Kiley 🧡
