How to Plan for Pregnancy

Becoming a parent is a major commitment filled with challenges, rewards and choices. You can control one of the most important factors in determining your health and that of your baby — your lifestyle. Planning for your pregnancy in advance can help prepare you for the experience and promote a healthy lifestyle for your future.

Considerations Before Parenthood

Many things should be considered or completed before your leap into parenthood. The most important thing is to live as if you are pregnant before you conceive — most birth defects occur in the first six weeks after conception. You may not even know you are pregnant at that point. The best prenatal care is pre-conception care.

Family history: Does high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes run in your family?
Genetic counseling: Should you consider genetic counseling if you have a family history of genetic diseases?
Your health: Are you and your baby's father healthy? It’s important to stop smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and the use of hard drugs or unnecessary medications if you are trying to conceive and while you’re pregnant.
Make sure your immunizations are up to date.
Begin taking prenatal vitamins and a folic acid supplement daily six months before conception.
Eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise.

Healthy Living Considerations

You can also check out our printable guide to pregnancy planning.

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Our Expert Shares Pregnancy Planning Tips

Watch Dr. Kim McKay share important information on pregnancy planning.

It takes two people to make a baby. Mom’s health and Dad’s health both effect pregnancy. It’s important to have a plan in place before you conceive.Dr. Kim McKay, OB-GYN, Avera Medical Group

Finding a Doctor

Finding the right OB/GYN, family physician and/or midwife is an important part of planning for pregnancy. Your provider will serve as a partner for you through your pregnancy and after your baby arrives.

What is an OB/GYN?

OB/GYNs are physicians who specialize in both pregnancy and gynecology. Throughout their four years of residency training, they deliver thousands of babies, perform hundreds of cesarean sections and become skilled at managing labors that are normal and perhaps not so normal. Their specialties also focus on pregnancy complications like preterm labor and high blood pressure.

Can I see my family physician?

A family medicine/OB physician can provide care for your entire family, including newborns, so you have one doctor you know and trust. They are residency-trained and board-certified physicians who specialize in the full spectrum of care for all ages. Because they have additional training in obstetrics, they also can manage your pregnancy, including medications and complications that may occur. Their services include managing labor and delivery for vaginal births. Depending on your location they can manage or assist with cesarean sections.

What is a midwife?

Like an OB/GYN, a midwife can provide care before, during and after your pregnancy and deliver babies at the hospital. Women who choose midwives usually want very little medical intervention and have had no complications during their pregnancy.

Real Answers on Pregnancy Dos and Don’ts

There’s tons of information on the Internet about pregnancy. Do this, don’t do that. It can be overwhelming after awhile. We talked with Catherine Schiltz, DO, Avera OB-GYN, about common questions women have about pregnancy.

Pregnancy dos and don'ts

What to Expect During Pregnancy

Your body will change quite a bit during pregnancy as it grows a life and prepares to bring it into the world.

Pregnancy Health & Body Changes

Early signs of pregnancy include nausea and vomiting, nipple or breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings and fatigue.
Your body will also grow wider hips, a fuller stomach and new stretch marks. A woman at a healthy, normal weight can expect to gain 20-30 pounds.
Your doctor will also keep track of important changes in your health including gestational diabetes.

Learn More

Common Body Changes & Signs
What to Expect When You're Expecting

Research for Future Families

As an expecting mother you may be eligible to participate in a study with Avera Research Institute. They are part of the Environmental Influence on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) study, which will help shape the way prenatal babies, newborns, children and moms receive care in the future. Sign up or read more information.