Trending: The Trouble With Trimester Zero

The three trimesters in a pregnancy are widely accepted, and more people honor the fourth trimester, but have you heard about Trimester Zero?

Apparently, a faction of influencers is giving traction to this movement focused around optimizing your body in the three to six months (and maybe even up to a year) pre-pregnancy. 

For anyone who’s had a baby, the general concept isn’t so far out. Many medical professionals give general recommendations for prepping the body, including taking folic acid and cutting out alcohol.

But Trimester Zero’s emphasis on “training” for pregnancy is toward the goal of maximizing your chances of getting pregnant as fast as possible.

The stable of “experts” have driven what the Guardian calls preconception as an industry but without the evidence. 

Advice includes everything from avoiding scented candles and plastic containers to taking a slew of supplements, eating so-called healing diets, and even watching the sun rise.

For many, social media is the source for answers pre-pregnancy and beyond instead of a real-life community.

This lack of fertility education and communal knowledge sharing might be the more important thing to focus on—and change...

In the spirit of championing postpartum support and community for Chicago moms, we’re bringing back our New Moms Group programming in September. Registration’s open right now!

♥️ Please spread the word to your loved ones, friends, and colleagues.

In Chicago Parenting News:

• It’s official; the statewide cellphone ban has been signed into law just in time for the 2027-2028 school year.

• CPS furloughs are now off the table as the budget discussion continues.

• The back-to-school tax holiday starts August 7.

• Milwaukee’s making an appeal to laid-off CPS teachers.

Parenting IRL: Do We Need a College Counselor?

Readying your college-bound kids for this educational milestone is monumental—and it might be one some folks want assistance with.

One NPN member wonders if a college counselor is necessary, as advised by some, and worth the money.

This member’s anecdotal experience is that these advisers might be more costly than helpful.

What has your experience been? Have you considered a college counselor? If you hired one, how did it go?

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