You’ve arrived at the phase of your life where you are thinking, “I want to be a mom,” and suddenly you feel lost because you don’t know where to start. You might be thinking: “What if I’m too young?”, “Maybe I need to enjoy my youth a little more,” “What if I end up losing myself?”, or “Maybe I am just not ready.”
Those are completely valid thoughts. But what if I tell you that, at the end of the day, you are never truly "ready"? Yes, that’s right—you never are, and that’s okay! Being a mom was never an easy job, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be an incredible mother.
I always thought I wanted to be a mom after 30 so I could enjoy my 20s fully. But you know, in life, things don’t always go as planned—which I think is beautiful because life is way better with surprises! See, I became a mom at 23, and it wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned. I had my days where I said I’d never be a mom, or that I'd think about it much later. I even thought, “What if I never become a mom?” because I faced fertility issues (but we will definitely talk about that in a later post).
I actually found out I was pregnant in a mall bathroom! I didn't expect to become a mom in that exact moment when I felt so wild and free, but the truth is, my instinct already told me I was—I just confirmed it.
While I will talk about pregnancy symptoms in another article, today I want to share the things I wish someone had told me before becoming a mom, and how you can start preparing your body and mind for this beautiful journey:
Schedule a Preconception Checkup
Before you start trying, make an appointment with your OB-GYN. This visit is crucial to discuss your medical history, check your immunizations, and ensure your body is in the best possible shape. It’s also the perfect time to ask all those burning questions!
Start Taking Folic Acid Early
Don’t wait until you see that positive pregnancy test. Experts recommend taking at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily for at least one month before trying to conceive. Folic acid helps prevent major birth defects in the baby’s brain and spine. (Yes, we start taking care of them before they evene exist.)
Focus on a Nutrient-Dense Diet
Your body will be building a tiny human, so fuel it with the best nutrients now. Focus on a balanced diet rich in leafy greens (for iron and folate), lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats like avocados and nuts. (to be honest I used to love junk food but this is a no-no for pregnancy planning) and i'm not saying you will be the worst mother if one day you decide to eat a pizza, what matters the most is what you do normally, so one pizza slice won't ruin your progress at all.
Rethink Your Lifestyle Habits
Now is the perfect time to phase out habits that could harm a developing baby. If you smoke or drink alcohol, this is the time to stop. It’s also wise to limit your daily caffeine intake to about one standard cup of coffee per day. (never had a problem with it, I don't love coffee, please don't attack me haha!)as an extra tip, start gym, you don't need to lift heavy weights, as long as your body is healthy, it'll be easier to get pregnant, (word!).
Prioritize Your Mental Well-being
Pregnancy brings big emotional shifts (so big), so mental prep is key. Practice stress-relief techniques that work for you, whether it’s yoga, journaling, or just enjoying long walks. Make sure you and your partner are communicating openly about this new chapter.
And please, remember, you will hear all kind of comments either good or bad, and that's part of this, just please don't let it affect you and every journey is different. Wish you the best of lucks mommy-to-be! Are you excited for this new chapter? let me know in the comments!
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