Preparing for Pregnancy

If you're planning to become pregnant and have already had a pre-pregnancy checkup, good for you—it's a critical appointment. As a part of this visit, your doctor will ask about your medical and family history, medications you take, any past pregnancies you've had, and all about your diet and lifestyle. Consider bringing a list of questions and be open and honest when talking to your doctor. The answers will help determine your specific needs.

Why You Need Folic Acid
The reason you hear so much about folic acid and pregnancy is because this B vitamin protects against a group of serious birth defects.

How Does Alcohol Affect Fertility
If you are trying to get pregnant or suspect you could be pregnant, you should stop drinking immediately.

Lifestyle and Fertility
Humans are closely tuned to their surroundings—especially when it comes to making babies. Just as bears and elk wait for the right season to sire offspring, our bodies reach the peak of fertility only when conditions seem right for raising babies.

Trouble Getting Pregnant?
If you and your partner are one of the 7.3 million U.S. couples each year who are unable to conceive, a fertility specialist may be able to help you.