How to Prepare for Pregnancy

If you are considering becoming pregnant, make an appointment to see your regular health care provider to learn how to prepare for a safe and healthy pregnancy (preconception care). During a preconception care visit, your health care provider will:

• Do a complete physical exam, including a Pap test.
• Take a complete medical history.
• Give you information, answer your questions, and help you resolve problems.

Preconception checklist

Medical history

• Tell your health care provider about any current or past medical conditions. Your pregnancy or your ability to become pregnant may be affected by chronic conditions, such as diabetes, chronic hypertension, and thyroid problems.
• Include your family’s medical history as well as your partner’s medical history.
• Tell your health care provider about any history of STIs (sexually transmitted infections). These can affect your pregnancy. In some cases, they can be passed to your baby. Discuss any concerns that you have about STIs.
• If indicated, discuss the benefits of genetic testing. This testing will show whether there are any genetic conditions that may be passed from you or your partner to your baby.
• Tell your health care provider about:
  • Any problems you have had with conception or pregnancy.
  • Any medicines you take. These include vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Your history of immunizations. Discuss any vaccinations that you may need.

Diet

• Ask your health care provider what to include in a healthy diet that has a balance of nutrients. This is especially important when you are pregnant or preparing to become pregnant.
• Ask your health care provider to help you reach a healthy weight before pregnancy.
  • If you are overweight, you may be at higher risk for certain complications, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and preterm birth.
  • If you are underweight, you are more likely to have a baby who has a low birth weight.

Lifestyle, work, and home

• Let your health care provider know:
  • About any lifestyle habits that you have, such as alcohol use, drug use, or smoking.
  • About recreational activities that may put you at risk during pregnancy, such as downhill skiing and certain exercise programs.
  • Tell your health care provider about any international travel, especially any travel to places with an active Zika virus outbreak.
  • About harmful substances that you may be exposed to at work or at home. These include chemicals, pesticides, radiation, or even litter boxes.
  • If you do not feel safe at home.

Mental health

• Tell your health care provider about:
  • Any history of mental health conditions, including feelings of depression, sadness, or anxiety.
  • Any medicines that you take for a mental health condition. These include herbs and supplements.

Home instructions to prepare for pregnancy

Lifestyle

• Eat a balanced diet. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, healthy fats, and foods that are high in fiber. Ask to meet with a nutritionist or registered dietitian for assistance with meal planning and goals.
• Get regular exercise. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Ask your health care provider which activities are safe during pregnancy.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not take illegal drugs.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your health care provider what weight range is right for you.

General instructions

• Keep an accurate record of your menstrual periods. This makes it easier for your health care provider to determine your baby’s due date.
• Begin taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements daily as directed by your health care provider.
• Manage any chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, as told by your health care provider. This is important.

How do I know that I am pregnant?

You may be pregnant if you have been sexually active and you miss your period. Symptoms of early pregnancy include:

• Mild cramping.
• Very light vaginal bleeding (spotting).
• Feeling unusually tired.
• Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness).

If you have any of these symptoms and you suspect that you might be pregnant, you can take a home pregnancy test. These tests check for a hormone in your urine (human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG). A woman’s body begins to make this hormone during early pregnancy. These tests are very accurate. Wait until at least the first day after you miss your period to take one. If the test shows that you are pregnant (you get a positive result), call your health care provider to make an appointment for prenatal care.

What should I do if I become pregnant?

• Make an appointment with your health care provider as soon as you suspect you are pregnant.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is related to a number of birth defects.
• Avoid toxic odors and chemicals.
• You may continue to have sexual intercourse if it does not cause pain or other problems, such as vaginal bleeding.