Before or between pregnancies

If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, the best thing you and your partner can do for your baby is to plan ahead. Having a healthy baby begins well before you get pregnant, so start making healthy choices now!

Get to a healthy weight, take folic acid to help prevent birth defects and visit your health care provider for a preconception checkup to make sure you’re as healthy as you can be.

There are ways you can improve your chances of getting pregnant. And if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, you’re not alone. Learn about fertility treatment options.

If you’re not ready for a baby just yet, use birth control until the time is right. And if you already have a baby and are planning for more children, learn why it's best to wait at least 18 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again.