What to Expect Before You're Expecting

Now that you’ll soon have more to protect than ever before (including that very precious bundle you’re about to create), it’s definitely time to take a critical look at (or sign up for) your health, disability, and life insurance policies.

If both of you die without a will, it’ll be up to the state to decide who will raise your child

Whatever your workplace environment, common sense should always be your first order of business. Wash your hands frequently, put on protective clothing as appropriate, and wear a mask or respirator when necessary

One way to bring on the relaxation whenever and wherever: breathing exercises

Stretch. Or swim. Or run. Exercise relieves stress and boosts your mood (even when you’re not in the mood for it). Plus it can help you work out some of those frustrations. Build some moves into your busy day every day.
• Yoga. Or tai chi. Or Pilates. Any of these natural stress-relief techniques can help bring you that inner serenity you’re seeking. Continue with them during pregnancy (and beyond) to stay relaxed and refreshed.

Obviously, your baby-making activities are high on your to-do list now, so rather than trying to squeeze them into a too-tight schedule—which is only going to make doing them more stressful—decide which other responsibilities can be postponed or delegated to someone else. Learn to say no to new projects before you reach overload (another skill you’re wise to cultivate prebaby)

Fortunately, when it comes to hair maintenance, no preconception sacrifices are necessary. There’s absolutely no reason why you’d have to go back to your roots—or give up those straightening treatments or perms—while you’re trying to conceive. In fact, there isn’t even any consensus about whether coloring or other chemical processes should stay off the salon menu once you’re expecting (most doctors either green-light coloring or ask that you hold off until the second trimester).

Topical Retin-A, which is prescribed for both zit zapping and wrinkle smoothing, usually gets the red light during pregnancy and may, too, once you’re officially TTC.

hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas (and even electric blankets or exercise that excessively raises your core body temperature) are off limits until mission conception has been accomplished

Yoga not your thing? Try swimming, dancing, Pilates, mild cardio workouts, light weight training, stationary bicycling, and other low impact workouts—all of which are not only TTC appropriate but pregnancy appropriate (which means you’ll likely be able to stick with the routine of your choice once you’re exercising for two).