Why It's Never Too Early To "Train" For Giving Birth + How To Do It

That means it's never too early to start preparing for the future rigors of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. We chatted with a few OB/GYNs about how to do just that:

Healthy vaginal microbiomes4 are associated with healthy pregnancies, and taking a daily probiotic is an easy way to support a healthy ecosystem now and into the future. Here are mindbodygreen's highly vetted picks for the best probiotics for women of all ages.

Of course, supplements aren't a substitute for a good diet. "Eat nutritious whole foods with plenty of vegetables, clean protein, and healthy fats," she says.

RELATED READ: 20 Science-Backed Ways to Fall Asleep Naturally & Quickly

"Abdominal and back strengthening exercises will support the alignment changes that occur in pregnancy," says Trubow. Plus, strong core muscles help create a strong pelvic floor—something you'll appreciate during and after pregnancy. Consider adding these standing ab exercises and this back builder to your gym routine.

That means steering clear of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A, which can interfere with healthy reproductive functioning and wreak havoc on normal hormone levels. These can be tough to avoid out in the world, but here's how to keep them in check in your home environment.

"If you have PMS; heavy, clotty periods; painful periods; irregular cycles; or other hormonal issues off the pill, then your hormones are not balanced. Check with your doctor about what is going on, as this will impact your fertility," she adds.

If you're currently taking long-term medications, double-check whether they're safe to take during pregnancy. "If they are not ideal for conception, develop a game plan or strategy to either wean off or convert to something that is the best option for conception and pregnancy," advises Sadaty. "Don't wait until the last minute."

What happens six to 12 months before conception can make a huge difference in the health of both the pregnancy and the baby. Becoming a mother may be a plan for down the road, but it's pretty easy to lay the groundwork now. If there's one pro tip to remember, it's this one from Trubow: "It's not technically training the body [for pregnancy] so much as it is balancing the body."