Planning for Pregnancy

Eat healthy
There are many benefits for you and your partner to eat healthy. It may help you become pregnant sooner. Other benefits include feeling good and having a healthy weight. You can also take the health before pregnancy healthy eating quiz.

Take a daily prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid.
A woman's need for folic acid increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Folic acid helps protect your baby from birth defects of the spinal cord and brain.

Be physically active
Physical activity is good for both you and your partner. Being physically active before you get pregnant will make it easier to stay active during pregnancy. It can also help you be active after your baby is born. There are many ways to add physical activity into your daily routine.

Avoid alcohol, drugs and tobacco
All of these substances put you, your partner and your growing baby at risk.

Limit being around environmental hazards.
Hazardous substances may affect if you can get pregnant or not. It can also affect the health of your baby.

Take care of yourself
Stress can affect your chances of becoming pregnant. High levels of stress can change a woman's menstrual cycle and the timing of the release of her egg. High levels of stress may reduce the amount of sperm a man can produce.

Prepare for Parenthood
This is the perfect time to starting learning about your pregnancy. You should also learn about how to care for and feed your baby.

Not ready to get pregnant yet?

Learn more about your sexual health