Planning for a baby

If you're thinking about getting pregnant, the best thing you and your partner can do is plan ahead.

Key topics for parents-to-be

Having a healthy baby starts long before pregnancy. Begin making healthy choices now by eating well, achieving a healthy weight, taking folic acid to help prevent birth defects, and scheduling a preconception checkup with your healthcare provider to ensure you're as healthy as possible.

Being healthy before pregnancy can help improve your chances of getting pregnant and can help prevent pregnancy complications.
A preconception checkup is a medical checkup you get to ensure you're healthy enough to have a healthy pregnancy.
It's best to wait at least 18 months after giving birth before getting pregnant again to fully recover from your last pregnancy. See why it's important.
Folic acid is vitamin B9, which can help prevent neural tube defects in your baby. Learn which supplements and foods are good sources of folic acid.