Planning for a baby

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

What to consider when expanding your family

Having a healthy baby begins long before you get pregnant, so start making healthy choices now. This means eating well and getting to a healthy weight, taking folic acid to help prevent birth defects, and visiting your health care provider for a preconception checkup to make sure you’re as healthy as possible. Your provider can also give you information relevant to your specific plans, like telling you about fertility treatment options (if you’re having trouble getting pregnant) or why it's best to wait at least 18 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again (if you already have a baby and are planning for another).

We provide some useful tools to help you along your maternal journey. If your menstrual cycle is regular, our ovulation calculator and ovulation calendar can help you figure out and track the best time to try to get pregnant. Once you’re pregnant, our interactive due date calculator will help you estimate the date your baby will arrive.

If you’re not ready for a baby just yet, use birth control until the time is right.

Creating a community around shared experiences

Learn about some of the families who have benefited from our collective work and connect with others over what it takes to raise a strong baby.

After heartbreak, setbacks, and a preterm birth during COVID-19, Diane's journey inspires NICU parents. Your support matters.

We’re there for you—wherever there is for you

Learn about the programs and services in your area that are helping close the health equity gap and end preterm birth for families everywhere.

PROGRAMS

NICU Family Support®

Provides education and critical information for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) families, family-centered care training for hospital staff, and resources to improve the patient and family experience.
EDUCATION

Becoming a Mom/Comenzando bien®

A comprehensive prenatal curriculum presented in English or Spanish and designed for use with pregnant women in a supportive group setting.
PROGRAMS

Supportive Pregnancy Care® for Patients

An education and resources framework that enables maternity care providers to create a flexible group prenatal care program in their hospitals, clinics, or private practice.