If you're trying to conceive (TTC), you've probably spent hours reading articles, tracking symptoms, and wondering if there's something more you should be doing.
I understand that feeling.
As an acupuncturist and East Asian medicine practitioner, I have worked with many women preparing for pregnancy. I was also 40 years old when I became pregnant with my daughter, so I know firsthand how emotional and overwhelming the journey can feel.
One thing I often tell my patients may sound surprisingly simple:
Before focusing on getting pregnant, focus on becoming the healthiest version of yourself.
Your body is not just preparing for conception. It's preparing to grow, nourish, and care for another human being.
Here are the foundational habits I recommend to almost every patient who is trying to conceive.
I often tell my patients that preparing for pregnancy is not only about getting a positive test. It is about becoming the healthiest version of yourself so that when your baby arrives, your body is ready for the journey ahead.
1. Move Your Body Every Day
You do not need an intense workout program.
In fact, many women benefit more from consistency than intensity.
A simple 10-minute daily routine can be enough to improve circulation, support hormone balance, reduce stress, and build strength.
I often encourage patients to focus on:
Walking
Light strength training
Yoga
Pilates
Core exercises
When pregnancy happens, your body will be carrying extra weight, adapting to posture changes, and eventually recovering from childbirth. Building strength now is an investment in your future pregnancy.
2. Prioritize Sleep Like It's Part of Your Fertility Plan
Sleep is one of the most overlooked fertility tools.
If possible, try to get an extra hour of sleep each night.
And if you can't sleep, give yourself permission to rest.
Your body repairs itself during sleep. Hormones regulate during sleep. Stress levels improve with sleep.
Many women are exhausted but continue pushing through every day. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is simply rest.
3. Start a Quality Prenatal Vitamin
One of the easiest and most important steps when trying to conceive is starting a prenatal vitamin before pregnancy.
Look for one that contains:
Folate or folic acid
Iron
Vitamin D
Iodine
B vitamins
Ideally, prenatal vitamins should be started several months before conception.
Think of it as preparing the soil before planting a garden.
4. Reduce Stress—But Don't Stress About Stress
This is something I say often in my clinic.
Many women become so focused on getting pregnant that every cycle feels like a test.
Every symptom is analyzed.
Every month feels like a deadline.
The body does not thrive in a constant state of fear and pressure.
Instead of asking yourself:
"When will I get pregnant?"
Try asking:
"How can I become healthier this month than I was last month?"
That shift in mindset can be incredibly powerful.
5. Consider Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine
As an acupuncturist, I am often asked whether acupuncture can help improve fertility.
In my clinical experience, acupuncture can play an important role in preparing the body for pregnancy.
Beyond supporting overall health, stress reduction, and sleep quality, acupuncture may help improve reproductive function by promoting healthy blood flow to the uterus and supporting normal hormonal regulation.
One reason acupuncture has become increasingly common in fertility care is that many reproductive endocrinologists and fertility clinics recognize its potential benefits as a complementary therapy. It is not unusual for patients undergoing fertility treatments such as IVF to receive acupuncture alongside their medical care. Some fertility centers even have acupuncturists on staff or maintain referral relationships with local practitioners.
The goal of treatment is not simply to help someone become pregnant. It is to help create the healthiest possible environment for conception and implantation while supporting the patient's overall well-being throughout the process.
Depending on the individual, herbal medicine may also be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Because every person's health history is different, herbal recommendations should always be individualized and provided by a qualified practitioner.
A Final Thought
When I was trying to conceive, I couldn't control exactly when pregnancy would happen.
What I could control was how I cared for myself.
I exercised.
I rested.
I nourished my body.
I focused on becoming healthy enough to be the mother I hoped to be.
If you're currently TTC, remember that this season is not just about waiting for a positive pregnancy test.
It's an opportunity to build a stronger, healthier foundation for yourself and your future family.
Take care of your body.
Take care of your mind.
And trust that when the time is right, your little one may find their way to you.
What I Read While Trying to Conceive
During my own TTC journey, one of the books I found helpful was It Starts with the Egg by Rebecca Fett.
What I appreciated about this book was that it gave me practical things I could do while still remembering that fertility is not something we can completely control.
As someone who was trying to conceive at 40, I found it empowering to focus on improving my overall health rather than obsessing over the timeline.
While no book can guarantee pregnancy, this one gave me useful information and a sense of direction during a season that often felt uncertain.
To buy this book, you can click here
Recommended products that I used
(Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend books, products, and resources that I have personally used, read, or genuinely believe may be helpful to my readers. Thank you for supporting Stateside Edit.)
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