In my practice, I often see women who are surprised to discover they are pregnant. They tell me they weren't really planning a pregnancy, or they weren't ready to have a baby yet. Most of them have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies. However, planning your pregnancy before you get pregnant helps ensure that your baby gets the best start in life that you can possibly give him or her. For that reason, many physicians and other healthcare workers are now considering pregnancy a 12-month term.
The actual length of a pregnancy (growth from a fertilized egg into a normal-size baby) is 9 months. But now we know the few months before you get pregnant can be as important as the 9 months in which the fetus develops inside of you.
With good preparation on your part, you can give your baby the best start toward a healthy life. The months that you plan for your pregnancy give you time to prepare your body and make any necessary lifestyle changes. You can eat nutritiously, cut out alcohol and tobacco use, begin an exercise program, get your weight under control and talk to your doctor about any other medical concerns you have.