Preparing for pregnancy lays the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Take these steps to prepare yourself physically for your baby's arrival.

Pre-pregnancy health care and counseling can help couples increase their chances of having a healthy baby. Whether this is their first or second pregnancy, women should seek health counseling before they plan to become pregnant. Here are some important steps to help expectant mothers prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

Nutrition plays a very important role before and during pregnancy. If a woman supplements enough nutrition and multivitamins, it will increase the chance of conception and prevent most of the risks of birth defects in the fetus.

If you are trying to get pregnant and become a mother, you should start by paying attention to what you eat because your overall nutritional status can affect your hormones and your ability to conceive. Many women choose to keep a food diary to track their diet. How about you?

If you're trying to conceive, it's time to change your eating habits. You can boost your body's nutritional intake by eating healthy foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Nutrient-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables, fish, oysters, plant proteins and whole grains, may help support fertility, some studies show. Limit alcohol, trans fats and caffeine. Encourage your partner to eat a healthy diet as well, as this supports healthy sperm. So what foods and nutrients do you need most to help you get pregnant? And how?

preconception check-up is a medical check-up that helps ensure your health during pregnancy, as well as check for health conditions that may affect your pregnancy and the health of your baby. A preconception check-up is especially important if you have had a previous premature birth, a baby with a birth defect, a miscarriage, or a stillbirth.