Baby planning: Practical steps before you try to conceive
About 45% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, so a simple plan now can prevent stress later. If you want a healthy pregnancy, start with concrete actions you can do in the next three months. These steps help your body, your partner, and your medications get ready for pregnancy.
Preconception checklist
Set a timeline. Aim to prepare at least three months before trying—eggs and sperm mature over weeks, so small changes now matter.
Take folic acid. Start 400–800 mcg daily before conception to lower the risk of neural tube defects. If you’ve had a baby with a neural tube defect or you take certain medications, your doctor may recommend a higher dose.
Get vaccines up to date. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chickenpox vaccines should be done well before pregnancy. Flu and Tdap are safe and recommended during pregnancy; ask your provider when to get them.
Check chronic conditions. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or anxiety/depression, see your clinician to optimize control. Good control before pregnancy reduces risks for both you and the baby.
Adjust lifestyle habits. Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and cut back on caffeine if advised. Focus on a balanced diet, a healthy weight, and regular, moderate exercise. Small, steady changes are easier to keep.
Medications, supplements and safety
Review every pill, prescription and over-the-counter supplement with your clinician or pharmacist. Some medicines need to stop or be switched before conception. For example, certain blood thinners, diabetes drugs, and mood medications require careful planning. Don’t stop medicines on your own.
Be cautious with online pharmacy purchases. If you order meds online, pick a pharmacy you trust and that requires a prescription for prescription-only drugs. Our guides cover how to spot safe online pharmacies and what to watch for when buying medications.
Know the supplements that help—and those that don’t. Prenatal vitamins are designed for pregnancy but don’t replace a healthy diet. Avoid high-dose vitamin A or herbal products without checking safety first.
Track menstrual cycles and signs of ovulation if you want to time conception. Simple methods—calendar, basal body temperature, or ovulation tests—can help. If you’ve been trying for a year (or six months if you’re over 35) without success, see a fertility specialist.
Talk about mental health. Pregnancy is a big life change. If you take antidepressants or antipsychotics, discuss risks and options with your prescriber. Many people continue treatment with adjusted plans instead of stopping abruptly.
Final step: make a plan with your health provider. Put together a short checklist with when to start folic acid, which meds to change, vaccine timing, and follow-up appointments. A clear plan reduces surprises and gives you a calmer, safer start to pregnancy planning.
Want more details? Browse our guides on medication safety, contraception choices, and condition-specific tips to make a confident baby-planning plan that fits your health needs.
