Preconception is the time period prior to ovulation and fertilization, prior to conception. The preconception period is also known as the pre-trimester, the trimester prior to the first trimester, and it usually extends about 2-3 months before conception and the beginning of pregnancy, though it could extend longer than 3 months.

Prepregnancy Counseling: From the American College of ObGyn

Recommendations from ACOG about preconception counseling ... read more »

Get in Shape to Improve Your Fertility

Get into optimal shape and good health now. ... read more »

Pre-Trimester for Men: The Baby's Health is Affected By The Father's Health

A man's health is a critical factor in getting pregnant and having a healthy baby. ... read more »

Weight Loss Before Pregnancy and Postpartum

Losing weight can help improve your chances of getting pregnant. ... read more »

Preconception Counseling and Care - For Her and Him

There are several things you should do before trying to conceive. ... read more »

What Is the Pre-Trimester?

Many people think of just 3 trimesters when it comes to pregnancy, but in reality, there are actually 6! The pre-trimester is one of the most important trimesters. ... read more »

Does Race Play a Part in Preconception Care?

Preconception tips are promoted across all races, such as increasing intake of folic acid during reproductive years to reduce the risk of neural tube defects during the first weeks of pregnancy -but not all preconception messages are the same. ... read more »

Which Preconception Tests Can and Should You Get?

The pre-trimester is a time of preparation. In addition to a routine pelvic exam, there are several other tests that should be ideally performed prior to conception. ... read more »

Folic Acid is Vital for Fetal Development

Folic acid is important for optimal fetal development. Higher levels of folic acid in the body at the time of conception may reduce the risk of neural tube defects and other fetal complications. ... read more »

Periconception Tip #5: No Smoking or Drinking Alcohol

Periconception tip #5 of the 10 periconception tips that will help you improve your pregnancy chances and have a healthy baby. ... read more »

How to Help Prevent Birth Defects

Most birth defects happen during the first 8-12 weeks of the pregnancy, and about 1 in 30 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect. ... read more »

Periconception Tip #3: Improve Your (and His) Health

Periconception tip #3 out of the 10 preconception tips that will help you improve your pregnancy chances and have a healthy baby. ... read more »

What You Should Know Before Pregnancy: Top Pre-Trimester Tips

The best time to start your preconception preparation is 2-3 months before you start trying to conceive. Read these tips on what you need to do now in the pre-trimester ... before you get pregnant! ... read more »

Periconception Tip #9: Food Safety and Healthy Food

Periconception tip #9 of the 10 periconception tips that will help you improve your pregnancy chances and have a healthy baby. ... read more »

Periconception Tip #2: Learn Everything There is to Know

Periconception tip #2 of the 10 periconception tips that will help you improve your pregnancy chances and have a healthy baby. ... read more »

Periconception Tip #4: Review All Medication

Periconception tip #4 of the 10 periconception tips that will help you improve your pregnancy chances and have a healthy baby: ... read more »

Periconception Tip #6: Be at Your Optimal Weight

Periconception tip #6 of the 10 periconception tips that will help you improve your pregnancy chances and have a healthy baby. ... read more »

Preconception Medical Issues

When trying to conceive (TTC), preconception health is crucial for women facing medical issues, especially if medication is needed to control symptoms of the condition. ... read more »

When is the Best Time to Have Another Baby: Pregnancy Spacing

Having a family is part luck and part planning; for some couples, it's planning part that is the most difficult. You know you want to have more than one child, but you have no idea how close together or far apart you should plan your children. ... read more »

Preconception No-Nos

Getting pregnant may be the easy part, changing your life around to prepare for baby may be a little harder. There are a number of things you need to avoid prior to even thinking about trying to conceive. ... read more »

Preconception Health for Men

Many of the same changes women should make prior to conceiving aremirrored in suggestions for men. Taking a couple's approach topreconception health may make it easier to adopt lifestyle changes. ... read more »

Preconception Health for Women

Before heading out for an adventure at sea, ship captains must prepare the ship for the journey. The same can be said for pregnancy. Physical pregnancy may last 40 weeks or about nine months, but preparation for that journey starts months or years in advance. ... read more »

Preconception Medications

As you step back from the medicine cabinet it hits you ' can I takethese same medications when I'm pregnant? How about before I conceive? ... read more »

Get a Preconception Checkup for a Healthy Pregnancy

Getting pregnant is one of the biggest miracles in life. There are, however, many precautions to take while bearing a child. It is important to get a preconception checkup to ensure your healthy pregnancy. ... read more »

Periconception and Preconception Interview

The periconception and preconception interview will help you identify issues and help you have a healthier pregnancy. ... read more »

Tests to Do Before Pregnancy

There is a lot you can do and some tests you can take before you get pregnant to improve both your chances getting pregnant as well as your chances having a healthy baby. ... read more »

Preconception and Periconception Care and Trying To Conceive

Preconception and periconception care are important aspects of your prenatal care and your way to improve your chances having a healthy pregnancy ... read more »

What is Preconception Counseling?

Preconception counseling usually involves meeting with a doctor or another healthcare provider who is experienced in this specialty. ... read more »

Preconception Introduction

Most people prepare their cars better for a weekend trip than they prepare their bodies for a pregnancy. This is an introduction to preconception. ... read more »

How Can I Get Pregnant Fast? 10 Tips for Conception

Most couples will conceive the first year without using birth control and having regular sex. But here are some tips to help improve your chances. ... read more »

New Guidelines for Periconception Care

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a select panel of external partners issued guidelines for preconception care of women, emphasizing the importance of providing this type of care in the primary care setting. ... read more »

The 3 PeriConception Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy

Three periconception steps to a healthy pregnancy ... read more »