Forty-nine percent of pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, therefore it is important for all women to improve their health now, before they maybe become pregnant to ensure a healthier pregnancy and birth outcome.

Show Your Love, the national campaign launched by the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention aims to improve the health of women and babies by promoting preconception health and healthcare. The campaign’s goal is to increase the number of women who plan their pregnancies and encourage them to take steps to a healthier lifestyle before becoming pregnant.

Good preconception health is important for all women. Talk to your patients about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health, such as exercising, reducing stress and quitting smoking. Encourage your patients to use these checklists (Planning to become pregnant, not planning to become pregnant) provided by the CDC  as a tool to record and monitor their goals.