10 Signs Your Body is Ready For Pregnancy 

We spend so much time trying not to get pregnant that people don’t often think about what they need to prepare for pregnancy. When the time comes, women can feel unsure or anxious if it doesn’t happen immediately. 

Don’t worry, it’s normal to take a bit of time to conceive. Look at the odds of conceiving: There’s a 30% chance of getting pregnant in the first month, and that’s not accounting for age. As people age, fertility rates tend to decline. That doesn’t mean you cannot get pregnant later in life; it just means the chances of spontaneous pregnancy aren’t as high as we think, but most healthy couples trying to conceive do so within two years of actively trying. 

 Beyond age, what else can impact fertility? It’s always important to talk to your doctor about specific factors regarding your health and lifestyle. But these 10 signs suggest you’re on the path to conception. 

Preparing For Pregnancy? Here are The Signs You’re Ready 

There are real, physical clues your body can give you that signal you're ready to conceive. These signs your body is prepared for pregnancy are essential to notice; not just for peace of mind, but to help you and your provider plan the healthiest possible start. 

 Let’s walk through 10 signs that your body may be ready for pregnancy and what steps you can take to prepare. 

Sign #1: You Have a Regular Monthly Period 

A consistent, regular monthly cycle is one of the strongest signs that you're ovulating regularly, an essential part of fertility. If your period shows up like clockwork every menstrual cycle, that’s a great sign that your reproductive health is in good shape. 

Knowing when you ovulate makes it easier to plan intercourse during your most fertile window. Most women ovulate about 14 days before their next period starts. 

Sign #2: You See Signs of Ovulation 

Signs and symptoms that you are ovulating can show up in subtle but noticeable ways—one key indicator? Cervical mucus. 

Right before ovulation, you might notice a clear, stretchy discharge that looks like raw egg whites. After ovulation, it becomes thicker and more cloudy. Paying attention to these changes can help you identify your fertile window, which is the time when you are most likely to get pregnant. 

You’d be surprised to learn that you only have a few fertile days per menstrual cycle, about 2-4 at most. So knowing those days can be a big help. 

Sign #3: You’re at a Healthy Weight 

Your weight plays a big role in ovulation and hormone balance. Being underweight can cause your body to stop producing estrogen, while being overweight can create hormonal imbalances that make ovulation less reliable. 

Finding a healthy balance can make conception easier and lead to a healthier pregnancy overall. 

Sign #4: You Have a Clean Bill of Health 

Certain health conditions can make it more challenging to conceive. If you have a history of the following, it can impact your fertility: 

• Thyroid problems
• Hormonal disorders
• Endometriosis, fibroids
• Autoimmune diseases
• Unmanaged diabetes 

This doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant, but it does mean a little preconception planning with your provider can go a long way. 

Sign #5: You’re Pre-Pregnancy Diet is On Track 

What you eat now can influence both your fertility and a future pregnancy. A diet full of whole, nutrient-dense foods is ideal. Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like omega-3s!) 

Many doctors recommend a Mediterranean-style diet for women who are trying to conceive. And don’t forget your prenatal vitamins. Find one that contains folic acid, which helps prevent congenital disabilities when taken early, even before you’re pregnant. 

Starting a pre-pregnancy diet now is one of the easiest ways to support your future baby. 

Sign #6: You’re Active 

Movement matters. Moderate exercise (about 150 minutes per week) can improve egg quality and boost your chances of conception. 

You’re not confined to the gym. Try brisk walks, dancing in your kitchen, or yard work; all of these count. Just don’t overdo it; extreme exercise can actually mess with ovulation. 

Sign #7: You Don’t Smoke 

Smoking is linked to lower fertility in both men and women. It can shorten your cycle and speed up egg loss. If you smoke and are trying to conceive, now’s the time to quit. Your provider can help connect you with resources to make it easier. 

Sign #8: You Don’t Drink 

We all know that drinking during pregnancy isn’t recommended, but alcohol can also affect your ability to get pregnant. Heavy or frequent drinking can disrupt ovulation and hormone levels. 

You don’t have to panic about the occasional glass of wine while trying to conceive, but cutting back or avoiding alcohol altogether is a smart part of preconception self-care. 

Sign #9: You Don’t Use Recreational Drugs 

Recreational drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, LSD, and PCP can interfere with hormone levels and ovulation. In women, chronic marijuana use, in particular, may cause ovarian dysfunction. In men, it can affect sperm count and quality, and cause issues like low libido or sexual dysfunction. 

If you’re using recreational drugs and planning to conceive, talk to a provider about safe ways to taper or quit. 

Sign #10: Your Partner Maintains a Healthy Lifestyle as Well 

Fertility isn’t just about your body—it’s also about your partner’s. Lifestyle factors like diet, weight, alcohol use, smoking, and exercise all impact sperm quality. If you're trying to conceive, both of you should aim for healthy habits. 

If you’re unsure whether your partner may be dealing with fertility issues, a quick visit to the doctor for a semen analysis can provide helpful answers. 

The Importance of Pre-Conception Planning 

Getting pregnant can take time, and it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. That’s why preconception planning is so important. Talking with a provider can help identify anything that might negatively impact your fertility and create a plan that supports your health now and in the future. 

Ready to take the next step? Lodus Health makes it easy to connect with a provider who can support your fertility and pregnancy journey. Whether you’re just starting to explore how to prepare for pregnancy or want expert guidance on your personal health, book a visit today using our online scheduling tool. Finding the right care has never been easier.