Free family guide · Trying to conceive

Getting healthy before pregnancy

ACOG says major organs develop in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy, and describes a checkup before pregnancy.[1]

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Sources on this page: ACOG; NICHD; CDC

This page shares what health organizations say. It is not medical advice. It is general information. Talk to your doctor, midwife or pediatrician about your own situation.

In an emergency, call 911.

Steps NICHD lists

NICHD lists these steps before trying to get pregnant:[2]

  • take folic acid;[2]
  • plan your reproductive life with a provider;[2]
  • eat well and stay active;[2]
  • get conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, seizure disorders and PKU under control;[2]
  • avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs;[2]
  • work toward a healthy weight;[2]
  • review your family history and consider genetic counseling;[2]
  • address mental health early.[2]

The checkup before pregnancy

ACOG says a prepregnancy checkup covers diet and lifestyle, medical and family history, medicines, past pregnancies and risk of sexually transmitted infections.[1]

Checklist

  • CDC says anyone who could become pregnant should get 400 mcg of folic acid every day.[3]
  • ACOG says not to stop prescription medicines without talking to your provider.[1]
  • ACOG advises stopping tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs and nonmedical use of prescription drugs.[1]
  • ACOG says your partner should not smoke around you, because secondhand smoke is linked to sudden infant death.[1]
  • ACOG suggests asking about exposures at work, such as lead, mercury, pesticides, solvents and radiation.[1]
  • ACOG suggests 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, plus muscle strengthening on 2 days.[1]
  • CDC says there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.[4]

Weight before pregnancy

ACOG says excess weight is linked to high blood pressure, preeclampsia, preterm birth and gestational diabetes, and being underweight is linked to low birth weight and preterm birth.[1]

ACOG says everyone has a right to respectful, high-quality health care delivered without judgment.[5]

If you do not feel safe at home

ACOG lists the US National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233.[1]

Questions families ask

What should I do before trying to get pregnant?

NICHD lists folic acid, a reproductive plan with a provider, healthy eating and activity, control of health conditions, avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs, a healthy weight, family history and mental health.[2]

Should I stop my medicines before trying?

ACOG says not to stop prescription medicines without talking to your provider.[1] CDC says to talk to your providers before you start or stop any medicine.[6]

Free from UpOnly Learning. Written for families of every faith. No outside ads and no affiliate links. Every fact on this page comes from the sources listed below. How we source and review these pages

Updated 2026-10-24: first published.

Sources

All sources were opened and checked on the date shown.

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Good Health Before Pregnancy: Prepregnancy Care. Checked October 24, 2026.
  2. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH). Can you promote a healthy pregnancy before getting pregnant?. Checked October 24, 2026.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Folic Acid. Checked October 24, 2026.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy. Checked October 24, 2026.
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obesity and Pregnancy. Checked October 24, 2026.
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medicine and Pregnancy: An Overview. Checked October 24, 2026.