by: A Motherhood Center client As we all know, the decision to approach pregnancy and start a family shouldn't be taken lightly, though many times it is. For me, when we decided to pursue pregnancy, my mind completely shifted. Thinking about pregnancy and precautionary measures has become a full time head space. All of a sudden when you are starting to take a sip of wine or eat some unpasteurized cheese, you begin to think...could I be pregnant? Is this safe? In reality you do not find out until a few weeks later that you have been pregnant, and you want to be sure you were safe in those early weeks. Since I was 19, I have been on birth control, now I am in my 30's. I have never had to think about being pregnant or even the possibility. So now that we have decided to begin the process, I need to treat my body as if i am possibly pregnant. This includes taking care of myself. We all know the adage "If you do not take care of yourself, how can you expect to take care of others?" I am really feeling this now. As I begin to take more responsibility for my well being, it will be that exact responsibility that carries me into the role of healthy mother-to-be and subsequently healthy mother. I have begun to cultivate the following good habits that will ready my body, quiet my mind, and help me to be ready: *Eating more healthy *Exercising *Taking my Prenatal vitamins *Beginning dialogues with friends about pregnancy and parenthood, readying myself by creating a support system *Avoiding alcohol *Resting when I can *Taking measures to lessen my stress I have also taken the following steps to be sure I am making my pregnancy journey as smooth as possible: *Interviewing Practitioners *Learning about Pregnancy *Visiting my Dentist, healthy oral health is important for moms to be Join me as I embark on the journey from preconception to what lay ahead.