Preparing for pregnancy during COVID-19

Some certainty in the uncertainty

Infertility is time-sensitive and with a pandemic thrown at you, it makes preparing for pregnancy all the more a rollercoaster. Each day spent waiting feels too long, especially if you've been trying to conceive for years. Our entire infertility community has absolutely been devastated by the changes. However, time and time again our community has shown resilience. There is no doubt that we will rise even stronger after this. We at the Center of Reproductive Medicine stand with our community and will provide support and preconception care however way we can to create or grow your family.

We will continue to stay updated, and comply, with ASRM guidelines. We do not see infertility treatments as "elective" and would love to help you continue your journey, but your safety is paramount. In the meantime, what can be done to prepare for pregnancy during COVID-19? Quality preconception care improves pregnancy outcomes. We've outlined suggestions below to help you during preconception. If you’re planning with a partner, it's important that they’re also held accountable. Your physician can go over these points with you in more detail.

Healthier lifestyle choices

• Exercise
  • There are many exercise videos available on YouTube and apps that offer free workouts that can be done at home. Some examples are below.
  • Nike Training Club (Apple, Google)
  • Sworkit (Apple, Google)
  • C25K (Apple, Google)
  • Yoga with Adrienne
  • No equipment, HIIT workout at home

• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking street drugs.
• Limit your caffeine intake. Coffee is good, real good, but caffeine can increase anxiety which in turn worsens stress levels.
• Take vitamin supplements that contain at least 400 mcg of folic acid to reduce the risk of birth defects. Ask your doctor for effective supplement suggestions.
• Reduce your stress. Here are some emotional and mental support resources we’ve collected.
• Manage pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or epilepsy.
• Audit the products you’re using at home, including laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and skin care products. Harmful chemicals can be detrimental to your body. These include, but are not limited to:
  
  • Formaldehyde
    • Nail polish, shampoo, fabric softeners
    • Alternatives: Tenoverten nail polish, formaldehyde-free hair products available at Target, Ever Spring Wool Dryer Balls
  • Phthalates
    • Air fresheners, detergents, household cleaning products, vinyl shower curtains
    • Alternatives: Project 62 Oil Diffuser, Dropps laundry detergent, Method bathroom cleaner, machine-washable shower liner
  • Phenols, specifically Bisphenol A (BPA)
    • Plastic storage containers, plastic bottles, canned food
    • Alternatives: Glass storage containers with BPA-free lids, steel refillable water bottles, fresh food

Professional Guidance

• Confirm with your primary care physician that your vaccinations are up-to-date.
• Schedule a preconception counseling appointment with a CORM physician. They can provide guidance around what approaches you can take to prepare your body for pregnancy. Each patient is different and your physician can make suggestions tailored to your individual needs.
• Once your preconception counseling has begun, consistently take medicine prescribed by your physician.
• If you do have a positive pregnancy test, your CORM medical team will want to do early blood testing, ultrasounds, and doctor visits to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy. This is to encourage a smooth first 12 weeks of pregnancy with minimal adverse medical events.