I am trying to focus on the only part of this journey that I have control over: me. I have been doing some research and it seems that the three months BEFORE conception may play a larger part in a healthy pregnancy than previously thought. This is because it takes at least three full months before an egg can completely mature and be released. Although I have no control over the age of my eggs, I may be able to help the environment that they are maturing in.
As a result, I have completely eliminated all alcohol and caffiene from my diet. I am eating three healthy meals per day and two or three healthy snacks. I am drinking 10+ cups of water daily. I am walking three miles every other day (soon-to-be every day). I want to lose at least 10 pounds in the next two months so my BMI is in the "normal" range. I am taking a prenatal vitamin, folic acid, vitamin D3, fish oil and royal jelly supplements.
I have made an acupuncture appointment for September 23. I plan to go weekly or every other week until just after conception. There is some research that indicates acupuncture helps some women conceive and carry healthy pregnancies. I don't know how valid that research is, but I am out of other options. If my plan fails, at the very least I will be healthier.
I call this new plan I have "Nurturing Sam's Egg", since I am not pregnant yet. (If I have a boy, he will likely be named "Sam", although Steve has final veto power. If it's a girl, well, then it will be "Nurturing Maya's Egg" or something similar). It just makes it a lot easier for me to keep motivated if my baby has a name.
