Getting early and regular prenatal care is one of the best ways to promote a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal care is more than just health care; it often includes education and counseling about how to handle different aspects of pregnancy, such as nutrition and physical activity, what to expect from the birth itself, and basic skills for caring for your infant.

In addition, health care providers are now recommending a woman see a health care provider for preconception care, before she is even trying to get pregnant.

The NICHD Spotlight Pregnancy and Healthy Weight explains new research findings related to prenatal and preconception care.

For more information on preconception and prenatal care, please visit http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preconception_care.cfm.