Planning a pregnancy can be exciting and, if it’s your first, a little bit scary. On this page, you can find advice on some of the issues you may be considering.

Now more than ever, it's smart to get regular exercise, eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Learn more about planning for a healthy pregnancy:

• Health care for Pregnancy Planning
• Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy 

Being active every day is incredibly beneficial for health, especially when you're planning a pregnancy. Learn more about physical activity when planning a pregnancy.

Unborn babies are susceptible to second-hand smoke, just like we are. One of the most important things you can do for your baby is to quit smoking. Learn more about smoking when you are planning a pregnancy.

It is best to stop drinking before you conceive. There is no known safe amount of alcohol that you can have during pregnancy. Learn more about alcohol and pregnancy planning.

Being at a healthy weight can help you conceive. Learn more about achieving a healthy weight:

• Healthy Weight When Planning a Pregnancy
• Learning About Future Pregnancy When You Are Overweight

If you are a woman with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who is planning to become pregnant, meet with your doctor. You may need to fine-tune your diabetes care before you get pregnant.

• Pregnancy and Diabetes: Planning for a Pregnancy
• Diabetes: Preparing for Pregnancy
• Learning About Future Pregnancy and Diabetes

If you are pregnant and need support with mental health, support is available. Talk to your health care provider about any concerns you may have.

The BC Reproductive Mental Health program, part of BC Women's Hospital, is also available by referral.

Last Updated: June 2021