A woman should see a doctor when she thinks she is pregnant. She should receive regular prenatal care during her pregnancy. Eating a wellbalanced diet with foods from each of the five food groups is essential to the health of the developing baby and the mother. Moderate exercise and stress management also are important.

Parents-to-be should prepare their home for the birth of the child and have basic baby supplies ready. They should create a budget and decide how they will balance their lives after the baby is born. Prepared childbirth helps expectant parents get ready for labor and delivery. They must choose a health care professional to attend the birth and decide where the birth will occur.