How long before becoming pregnant should a woman start preparing for pregnancy?
Every man and woman should prepare for pregnancy before becoming sexually active, or at least three months before conception. Women should begin some of the recommendations even sooner – such as quitting smoking, reaching a healthy weight, and adjusting medications. Planning for pregnancy is also a good time to talk about other concerns that affect the health of women and their pregnancies. These issues include intimate partner violence, mental health, and previous pregnancy problems. Although men and women can do much on their own, a health care provider is important to find and treat existing health problems. They can also help a woman improve her health before pregnancy. Learn more.
