Before the Baby
What vitamin is recommended before pregnancy to prevent birth defects?
What is Folic Acid?
Neural tube development happens very early—often before someone even knows they’re pregnant, which is why timing matters.
Recommended spacing between pregnancies for optimal outcomes.
What is at least 18 months?
The body needs time to recover. Short intervals increase risks like preterm birth.
This is the average cost range of having a baby in the U.S.
What is $10,000–$30,000+?
Many people don’t realize the financial impact until it’s too late to plan.
This visit happens before pregnancy to assess health risks.
What is a preconception check-up?
Many risks can be identified and managed before pregnancy begins.
This country has rising maternal mortality despite high healthcare spending.
What is the United States?
The U.S. maternal mortality rate has experienced a significant increase in recent years, spiking by roughly 89%
This common condition should be managed before pregnancy to reduce complications.
What are chronic conditions (like diabetes or hypertension)?
Pre-existing conditions can worsen during pregnancy, so managing them ahead of time improves outcomes.
This biological window each month is when pregnancy is most likely to occur.
What is the fertile window/ovulation?
Understanding this timing is key for both preventing and planning pregnancy.
This recurring expense is often the highest cost after birth.
What is childcare?
Planning for childcare early is critical, especially for students.
This type of insurance often covers pregnancy for low-income individuals.
What is Medicaid?
Knowing eligibility ahead of time improves access to care.
This group experiences higher maternal mortality rates.
Who are Black Women?
These disparities highlight systemic inequities, not individual choices.
This should be screened for before pregnancy because it can affect fertility.
What are STIs?
Many STIs are asymptomatic but can lead to long-term reproductive health issues if untreated.
This age-related factor can impact fertility over time.
What is declining fertility with age?
Fertility naturally decreases over time, which can affect planning decisions.
This program supports nutrition for pregnant people and infants.
What is WIC?
Knowing resources ahead of time can reduce financial stress.
This provider offers pregnancy care and delivery services.
What is an OB-GYN?
Establishing care early improves continuity.
This period carries significant risk but is often overlooked.
What is postpartum?
Planning shouldn’t stop at birth, it should extend beyond.
This concept describes how chronic stress impacts the body over time and pregnancy outcomes.
What is allostatic load?
Long-term stress can physically impact the body, making pre-pregnancy health more than just physical checkups.
This factor makes an “accidental” pregnancy more likely even when using birth control.
What is inconsistent or incorrect use?
Planning includes understanding how effective methods actually work in real life.
This concept describes income lost due to time away from work or school.
What is opportunity cost?
Pregnancy can impact earning potential and education timelines.
This barrier includes transportation, clinic availability, and location
What is access to care?
Planning includes logistics, not just intentions.
This percentage of maternal deaths are preventable.
What is about 80%?
Many outcomes could be improved with better systems and planning.
This lifestyle factor (besides diet) significantly impacts fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
What is substance use?
These exposures can affect both fertility and early fetal development even before pregnancy is confirmed.
This life planning concept involves aligning pregnancy with goals like school or career.
What is reproductive life planning?
Thinking ahead about if and when to have children helps people make informed choices.
This financial planning step helps prepare for unexpected complications.
What is a savings or emergency fund?
Unexpected costs (like NICU stays) can be significant.
This systemic issue leads to loss of insurance after childbirth
What are postpartum coverage gaps?
Planning for coverage is key to continued care.
These non-medical factors strongly influence outcomes
What are social determinants of health?
Where you live, work, and learn shapes your health long before pregnancy.