I was thrilled to be a recent guest on The Anxiety Chicks, a top-ranked Podcast centered on Mental Health utilizing a holistic approach. Our topic? Debunking Preconception Anxiety.
In Episode 182: Debunking Preconception Anxiety, I break down how to proactively support your body preconception. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s normal for women to feel overwhelmed by the idea of starting or expanding their families. From physical health to emotional readiness, preconception can be a stressful time in our lives.
This episode is all about unpacking how to lessen this anxiety. You’ll learn how to control the controllables when it comes to preconception health and well-being.
During my conversation with hosts Alison and Taylor, we discussed practical strategies to help women navigate this often-overlooked stage of life with confidence, calm, and clarity. Keep reading for the top 5 takeaways, or simply “press play” to listen on The Anxiety Chicks Podcast, Episode 182: Debunking Preconception Anxiety.
1. Understanding Preconception Anxiety
Preconception anxiety isn’t just about worrying if you’re ready for a baby. It can involve concerns about fertility, body image, physical health, and even how life will change post-baby. We explored how societal expectations and personal fears often contribute to this anxiety and why it’s important to acknowledge these feelings early on.
While we love to take a holistic approach to managing preconception anxiety, we also understand the value of modern medicine. Understanding your unique brain chemistry and how that impacts your emotional and mental well-being is an important consideration.
Preconception anxiety is best managed with a holistic approach and changing your mindset to focus on what you CAN do to support your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being ahead of conception.
2. Taking a Holistic Approach
In my practice, I take a root-cause approach to health, which I believe is essential to addressing preconception anxiety. The Holistically Well Method, my evidence-based framework, empowers women to feel physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared before pregnancy.
We must treat the whole person. Taking a holistic approach to managing preconception anxiety looks like nourishing the body with optimal nutrient dense foods, gentle movement, curated exercise intensity, exercising with your menstrual cycle, sleep foundations, non-toxic lifestyle choices and mindset.
This can sound like A LOT. I promise you though, this does not need to be overwhelming! In my Holistically Well Preconception Program, we break down each of these main points over the course of 6 weeks. This gives you science-backed, holistic health strategies to prime your wellbeing before pregnancy.
3. Exercise and Preconception
One major aspect of preconception health is movement, but the question is often: what kind of exercise should I be doing? In the podcast, I break down the importance of tailored, functional movement for women, especially in the preconception phase.
My online program takes the guesswork out, guiding women through safe and effective exercises that cater specifically to where you are in your journey. You can get a taste of this approach with my (free!) Preconception Mindful Movement video guide. To have the guide sent straight to you, click here!
4. Breaking the Stigma of “Perfection”
Many women feel immense pressure to be “perfect” before conceiving. Whether it’s achieving a certain body weight, following strict diets, or hitting other health goals, the pressure can be paralyzing. We dove into why it’s more important to focus on sustainable, realistic changes that support long-term health rather than chasing unattainable ideals.
5. Practical Tips for Managing Anxiety
I shared some easy-to-implement tools that can help manage preconception anxiety, including mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, and ways to create a support system that empowers you during this time.
If you want to learn more or hear the full discussion, head over to Episode 182: Debunking Preconception Anxiety and give the episode a listen!
For those of you interested in a more hands-on approach to taking control of your preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum health, you can check out my Holistically Well Method programs (Click Here!). These self-paced programs are designed to give women with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive at every stage of their journey into and through motherhood.
