Trying to Conceive or Newly Pregnant? Essential First Steps for a Healthy Pregnancy
First Steps After a Positive Pregnancy Test (or While TTC!)
How to support your health and prepare for a beautiful pregnancy & birth
Whether you just found out you’re pregnant or you’re currently trying to conceive and wondering what the first steps should be, this article is for you. Planning for a healthy pregnancy and birth is so important — and knowing where to begin can make everything feel less overwhelming.
I remember with my first baby, I wasn’t sure what the process would look like after getting that positive pregnancy test. Like so many women, I went straight to Google, searching for answers. Then I called my OB office, excited to get started… only to find out they don’t even do a confirmation appointment until around 8–10 weeks. ARGHH. That felt like ages of waiting, hoping, and praying my baby was okay.
If you resonate with that, I want to encourage you — you don’t have to sit in the dark during those early weeks. I would be honored to support you, whether you’re TTC or freshly pregnant, and walk alongside you as you prepare and find peace in those first steps.
Here are some practical, nurturing things you can do right away to support your body, mind, and baby:
Start with a High-Quality Prenatal Vitamin
A great prenatal is one of the simplest and most impactful first steps you can take. These vitamins provide the essential nutrients your body needs to support your pregnancy and your growing baby.
There are so many options on the market, so I always recommend doing your research. Personally, I love the brand Needed, and I’ve also used Pink Stork. Both worked well for me at different points.
⚡ Pro tip: Don’t just grab the first one you see at the pharmacy. The quality and formulation really matter. Talk with a trusted practitioner (I worked with a traditional midwife) to get recommendations tailored to your needs.
Focus on Gut Health Early
Your gut health impacts everything — from your energy and immune system to your baby’s microbiome. Supporting a healthy gut during pregnancy can lower inflammation, help you absorb nutrients better, and even benefit your baby’s immune system after birth.
Some things to consider:
Add nourishing foods like bone broth, collagen, and gelatin
Focus on whole, natural foods and limit ultra-processed ones
Use antibiotics only if absolutely necessary (I personally leaned on homeopathic remedies first and kept medication as a last resort — but that’s just my preference)
Think of gut health as laying a foundation — when your microbiome is strong, you and your baby both thrive.
Choose the Right Care Provider
This one is huge. Not all providers practice the same way, and their philosophy of birth may or may not line up with your goals. Whether you’re still TTC or already pregnant, I recommend interviewing several practitioners — OBs, midwives, family practice doctors — and finding the one that feels aligned with your values.
I even created a PDF guide with questions to ask your provider, because these conversations matter! And just so you know — you can switch providers at any point in your pregnancy if something doesn’t feel right. Your care should always support you.
Consider Hiring a Doula Early
Yes, I’m biased 😅 — but I truly believe hiring a doula early in pregnancy can transform your experience. Doulas provide more than just labor support—we walk alongside you during pregnancy, birth, and even fertility and postpartum. Personally, my favorite part of this work is building relationships and supporting families throughout the entire journey.
Even if you’re not planning to have a doula at your birth, many of us offer virtual or prenatal-only packages. And even if you’re still TTC, a doula can be an amazing source of guidance as you prepare your body and mind.
💡 Something to know: doulas often book up quickly (especially for birth support), so reaching out sooner is always a good idea.
Invest in Childbirth Education (Beyond the Hospital)
Hospital classes often focus on policies and logistics — not necessarily physiology, options, or empowerment. That’s why I recommend finding an independent course, ideally taught by a doula or educator, that covers:
Nutrition and trimester-specific changes
The physiology and anatomy of birth
Pain-coping techniques
Options, interventions, and advocacy
The difference between hospital policy and your legal rights
Partner roles and support strategies
Education isn’t about fear — it’s about confidence. When you understand what’s happening, your ability to make empowered decisions skyrockets.
Prepare Physically for Birth
Birth is a marathon for your body. Taking time to strengthen your pelvic floor, hips, and core can make a real difference in labor, pushing, and recovery. This doesn’t mean high-intensity workouts — it can be as simple as mindful movement, walking, stretching, or working with a pelvic floor therapist.
When your body feels strong and flexible, you’ll feel more confident heading into birth.
Find a Webster-Certified Chiropractor
Pregnancy places a lot of extra stress on your body, and chiropractic care can be a game-changer. A Webster-certified chiropractor focuses on the alignment of your pelvis and nervous system — which can ease discomfort, support optimal fetal positioning, and promote overall well-being.
I saw a chiropractor regularly in my pregnancies, and it truly helped me feel my best. Bonus: seeing one postpartum (for both you and your baby) can also be amazing.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of the first steps you can take once you’re pregnant (or even while you’re still TTC). You don’t have to do everything perfectly — even small, intentional steps add up to a healthier, more confident pregnancy.
I’d love to hear from you — what first steps did you take, or what are you planning to do as you prepare for pregnancy? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
And remember, if you’re in that early waiting period after a positive test, you’re not alone. I’d love to support you through those weeks and beyond 💕.
