Trying to Conceive? Here Are Practical and Faith-Based Tips for Preparing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

Photo Credit: Erin Heuser Photography

Bringing a child into the world is one of the most profound and beautiful journeys a couple can embark on. If you and your spouse are hoping to conceive, you may be wondering what steps you can take to prepare your body, mind, and spirit for this next season of life. While medical advice and practical preparation are important, as believers, we also recognize that conception is ultimately in God’s hands.

Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” This truth brings both peace and encouragement as you seek to grow your family. While there are physical and practical steps you can take, it is just as important to prepare your heart and strengthen your faith, trusting in God’s perfect plan for your journey.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• Understanding fertility and natural ways to support conception

• How to prepare your body for pregnancy

• The role of faith and prayer in the conception journey

• Trusting God’s timing and finding peace in the waiting

Understanding Fertility: How Conception Works

Before diving into practical and faith-centered advice, it helps to understand the basics of conception. A woman’s fertility is closely tied to her menstrual cycle. In general, conception is most likely to occur during ovulation, which typically happens around 12-16 days before the start of the next period. Tracking ovulation through basal body temperature, cervical mucus changes, or ovulation predictor kits can help you determine your most fertile days.

However, while understanding timing can be helpful, it’s important to remember that conception is not always immediate. Many healthy couples take several months to conceive, and even when everything is done “right,” ultimately, life is a miracle that only God can create.

Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy

God designed our bodies with an incredible ability to nurture and sustain life. While we can’t control every aspect of conception, there are ways to honor our bodies and steward our health in preparation for pregnancy.

1. Nourish Your Body with Healthy Foods

The food you eat plays a vital role in your overall health and fertility—not just for conception, but throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery. A diet rich in real, whole foods helps balance hormones, supports a healthy pregnancy, and provides essential nutrients for both you and your baby.

I highly recommend the book Real Food For Pregnancy for practical advice and nourishing recipes tailored for pre-conception, pregnancy, and postpartum. Prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods can make a significant impact on your fertility and long-term well-being. Consider incorporating:

• Folate-rich foods (leafy greens, lentils, citrus fruits) to support early pregnancy development

• Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, salmon) for hormone production and baby’s brain development

• Iron-rich foods (grass-fed meats, spinach, beans) to prepare for increased blood volume in pregnancy

• Adequate hydration to support digestion, circulation, and overall health

Eating a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet isn’t about perfection—it’s about making intentional choices to nourish your body in a way that honors the life God may be preparing within you.

2. Reduce Stress and Prioritize Rest

Stress can impact hormone levels and ovulation. While trying to conceive, prioritize rest by:

• Getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night

• Engaging in gentle movement (walking, stretching, or Pilates)

• Practicing deep breathing, prayer, or worship to calm the mind

3. Minimize Toxins and Harmful Substances

Certain environmental toxins can affect reproductive health. If possible, reduce exposure by:

• Avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol, and processed foods

• Using natural household and personal care products (I like the Yuka app to check the ingredients in food and cosmetics)

• Limiting exposure to endocrine disruptors (such as plastics and certain chemicals in cosmetics)

4. Consider Taking Prenatal Vitamins

Even before conception, prenatal vitamins help prepare the body with essential nutrients. Look for a vitamin with:

• Folic acid or methylfolate (important for early neural development)

• Vitamin D (supports immune and reproductive health)

• Omega-3s (for brain and hormone health)

Preparing Your Heart: The Role of Faith in Conception

While taking care of our bodies is important, pregnancy is ultimately a gift from God. The Bible reminds us of the power of prayer, surrender, and trust in this journey.

1. Pray for God’s Guidance and Peace

Ask the Lord to guide your heart as you prepare to conceive. Pray for:

• His perfect timing for your family

• Peace in the waiting, even if the journey takes longer than expected

• A healthy and strong body to carry a baby

• Wisdom to make decisions in alignment with His will

James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

2. Trust in God’s Timing

It’s easy to become anxious or discouraged if conception doesn’t happen right away. But God’s timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own plans.

Isaiah 40:31 encourages us, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

If you find yourself waiting longer than expected, use this season to grow deeper in your relationship with God and your spouse.

3. Strengthen Your Marriage

A strong foundation in marriage sets the stage for a Christ-centered family. As you prepare for pregnancy, consider ways to nurture your relationship, such as:

• Praying together over your future child

• Spending quality time strengthening your emotional connection

• Seeking biblical wisdom from parent’s further along in their parenting journey

Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Having the Lord at the center of your marriage makes your relationship even stronger, providing the foundation of faith and unity that will sustain you through the journey of parenthood.

Finding Peace in the Waiting

If you’re trying to conceive and facing delays, know that you are not alone. Many women walk this road, and God sees every tear, prayer, and longing.

1. Surrender Your Plans to God

While it’s natural to desire a child, it’s also important to trust that God’s plans are always for our good. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

2. Seek Support and Encouragement

Surround yourself with a community of believers who can pray with you and encourage you through the highs and lows of this journey.

3. Remember That Your Worth Is Not Defined by Motherhood

You are fully loved and valued by God, regardless of whether or not you conceive immediately. Your identity is in Christ, not in your ability to bear children.

Final Thoughts

The journey to conception is both a physical and spiritual process. While nourishing your body and understanding fertility is important, the greatest preparation comes from a heart fully surrendered to God. Whether conception happens quickly or takes time, His plans for your family are good, and He walks beside you every step of the way.

Are you currently on the journey to conceive? How can we pray for you in this season? Let’s walk together in faith, hope, and trust in God’s perfect plan.

If you’d like personalized guidance, encouragement, or faith-centered support as you prepare for pregnancy, we’d love to walk alongside you! Book a private coaching call with us for wisdom, prayer, and personalized advice tailored to your journey. Click here to learn more!