Baby planning: practical preconception checklist
About 45% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. That makes planning worth your time. If you're thinking about having a baby, a few changes now can cut risks and save stress later. This page collects practical, evidence-based tips to prepare your body, mind, and life for pregnancy. Read on for a simple checklist you can follow in the months before trying.
Talk to your doctor and review medicines
First step: talk to your doctor. Ask them to review every medication and supplement you take. Some common drugs—like ACE inhibitors, isotretinoin, certain antidepressants—can harm a fetus and need a safe plan. Your doctor can switch treatments or adjust doses. If you use online pharmacies or telehealth, bring records so your provider can make smart choices.
Start folic acid at least one month before trying. The standard is 400–800 mcg daily to reduce neural tube defects. If you have diabetes, epilepsy, or a history of neural tube issues, your doctor may recommend more. Check vitamin D and iron too. A basic prenatal vitamin covers most needs.
Vaccines, habits, and fertility basics
Update vaccines now, not during pregnancy. Get MMR if you're not immune, and a flu shot each season. Tdap is recommended during every pregnancy but talk about timing with your provider. Avoid live vaccines during pregnancy. Screen for STIs and treat any infections before conception.
Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol. Smoking reduces fertility and raises risks during pregnancy. Aim to stop at least three months before trying. For alcohol, no safe level is proven for pregnancy, so stop once you plan to conceive. Work on a healthy weight — both underweight and obesity can cause problems.
Want to speed conception? Track cycles and identify your fertile window. Ovulation usually happens about 14 days before your next period. Use a tracker app, basal body temperature, or ovulation kits. Have sex every 1–2 days during the fertile window for best odds. If you're over 35 or have known fertility issues, consult a specialist sooner.
Check your mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress affect pregnancy and parenting. Talk to your clinician about safe treatments during planning and pregnancy. Build a support plan—partner, family, or friends—and think about childcare, work leave, and finances.
Consider basic preconception tests: blood type, rubella immunity, thyroid function, hemoglobin A1c if diabetic, and genetic carrier screening if family history suggests. Dental checkups matter too—gum disease links to pregnancy complications. Make a simple timeline: lifestyle fixes, med changes, and a timeline to start trying.
Baby planning doesn't have to be perfect. Small steps now make a big difference later. Start with a doctor visit, add folic acid, sort meds, and make one healthy habit change this week. If you want more detailed articles on meds, fertility, and travel while pregnant, check the resources tagged 'baby planning' on this site.
If conception takes longer than a year (or six months if you're over 35), see a fertility specialist. Track changes, bring notes on cycles and meds, and ask about basic tests like semen analysis and ovarian reserve. Early evaluation saves time.
