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Healthy Lifestyle Before Pregnancy

19 March 2026

Advance preparation, a balanced lifestyle, and a preconception visit to a gynecologist can ensure an optimal starting point for the mother, the baby, and the partner.

From the moment you start thinking about pregnancy, it is important that both you and your partner maintain a balanced diet and avoid smoking. Active and passive smoking (breathing in smoke from those smoking near you) increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. If either partner has existing medical issues, it is recommended to treat them in advance.

At the same time, you should schedule a "preconception visit" with a gynecologist about 3–6 months before you plan to conceive.

Preconception Visit

This visit is intended to significantly reduce risks and improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. The visit includes:

  • Consultation and questions: About your medical, mental health, and family background.
  • Referral for genetic screening: Genetic tests to identify hereditary diseases. If you had tests in the past, it is important to check if new tests are available.
  • Referral for laboratory tests: A series of tests including a complete blood count (to rule out anemia), blood type and antibodies, thyroid function (TSH), fasting glucose levels, and a urine culture.
  • Vaccinations: Checking immunity to rubella, hepatitis, and pertussis (whooping cough), and getting a flu shot (especially in winter).
  • Dental check-up recommendations: An exam and cleaning, which are important for preventing infections linked to pregnancy complications.

Healthy Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Folic acid: Start taking 400 mcg of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
  • Harmful habits: Quit smoking (active and passive) and completely avoid alcohol, as these pose a real risk to fetal development.
  • Physical activity and weight: Reach a healthy weight and incorporate moderate physical activity (3–5 times a week) along with getting enough sleep.

Not every woman experiences a spontaneous pregnancy, and not everyone can plan for one. However, if you are in a position to plan, this article is for you. Preparation for pregnancy begins before a positive test. It ensures that you and your partner have the best possible start.

A balanced lifestyle, preliminary tests, and a preconception medical visit can reduce risks and improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. This article covers recommended steps before conceiving: adjusting diet and lifestyle, vitamins and supplements, necessary vaccinations, the importance of a preconception visit, genetic testing, and initial blood tests. These steps help you start your pregnancy in the best health possible.

Preconception medical visit

Experience shows that a preconception medical visit improves pregnancy outcomes, reduces traumatic stress, and allows for the early identification of risk factors. We recommend scheduling a consultation with your gynecologist about 3 to 6 months before pregnancy. What can you expect at this meeting?

  • 1
    Reviewing your medical background

    • Your medical history: You will be asked about illnesses, surgeries, medications, or supplements you take. If anything requires further evaluation, you may be referred to a specialist.
    • Mental health background: You will be asked about your mental health history. This is also a good time to discuss experiences from previous pregnancies or births, and any concerns or feelings related to the current pregnancy.
    • Your family status: The doctor will ask if you feel safe at home, if you have experienced past trauma or violence, and if you have difficulty with gynecological exams.
      If you are a single mother, a surrogate, or part of the LGBTQ+ community, you should inform the doctor. This ensures you receive tailored support for you and your family, including help with rights and guidance on topics like breastfeeding or co-parenting for everyone involved in raising the baby, regardless of gender.

  • 2
    Referral for genetic testing

    The purpose of genetic testing is to identify hereditary diseases in advance. It is important to update the doctor if there are genetic diseases or birth defects in your family to determine if specific genetic counseling is needed.

    Have you already had genetic testing? Please note: As of 2024, a broad and uniform genetic screen is conducted in Israel for the entire population. Therefore, even if you have performed genetic tests in the past, it is recommended to undergo the new tests.

    Important to know: The genetic evaluation is intended for the biological parents, both the man and the woman. In cases where pregnancy is planned using sperm or egg donation, you can arrive for testing alone.

    • Referral for medical tests and vaccinations: You will receive referrals based on your medical history, as detailed later in the article.
    • Lifestyle guidance: The medical staff will guide you regarding healthy weight and provide recommendations for nutrition, physical activity, and more.

  • 3
    Recommended lifestyle before pregnancy

    • Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy is essential for your health and the health of the fetus. Being underweight or having obesity increases risks. If necessary, you will be referred for personal nutritional counseling.
    • Physical activity: We recommend starting moderate physical activity (walking, swimming, yoga) 3-5 times a week, along with sufficient sleep (8 hours) and stress reduction.
    • Avoiding alcohol: You must completely avoid alcohol throughout the period when pregnancy is possible, as even a small amount can cause damage to the fetus.
    • Smoking cessation: You will receive information on quitting smoking. If needed, professional assistance will be provided for the process.
    • Folic acid: It is important to start taking folic acid regularly. A dosage of 400 mcg per day is recommended for every woman of childbearing age to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.

    Please note: If you plan to travel abroad, it is important to stay updated on locations to avoid during pregnancy. These include areas where you might contract diseases that can endanger the pregnancy, such as the Zika virus, for example.

Tests Before Pregnancy

At the preconception medical visit, you will receive referrals for several tests. Don't worry, we won't leave you without an explanation for each one:

  • Weight and blood pressure measurement: These are important metrics to monitor throughout pregnancy, so it is best to check them at the start.
  • Complete blood count (CBC): To ensure you do not have anemia and to rule out being a carrier of thalassemia (a hereditary blood disease).
  • Blood type and antibodies: It is important to know your blood type and if you have antibodies. In case of incompatibility between your blood type and the fetus, special monitoring or treatment may be required during pregnancy.
  • Tests for infectious disease antibodies: These check if you were previously infected with diseases such as HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis. If so, you can receive different medical monitoring or tailored treatment during pregnancy and delivery.
  • Thyroid function (TSH): This tests whether the gland is functioning properly, as abnormal function can affect fertility and the course of pregnancy.
  • Blood sugar test: This is a fasting test intended to check for signs of diabetes, such as unbalanced sugar levels. Diabetes is a condition that can pose a risk during pregnancy.
  • Urine culture: A test to detect a urinary tract infection, even without symptoms. Such infections can increase the risk of miscarriage if not treated in time.

Notice

Notice

After completing the tests, it is important to return to your gynecologist for tailored recommendations based on the results.

Dental checkup

This might surprise you, but oral health plays an important role in pregnancy. Untreated gum disease and oral infections may be linked to an increased risk of pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth or miscarriage. Therefore, we recommend visiting a dentist while you are planning your pregnancy to have your teeth cleaned and to maintain oral hygiene. This includes daily brushing and keeping your gums healthy throughout your pregnancy.

Vaccinations before pregnancy

After your pregnancy, you will visit Tipat Halav with your baby for vaccinations. However, long before that, during the planning stage, it is recommended to check if you are properly vaccinated:

  1. Routine vaccinations: This is the time to find your vaccination records or perform an antibody test to ensure you are vaccinated against rubella, hepatitis, pertussis, and more. If not, it is important to get vaccinated before pregnancy.
  2. During the winter season, we recommend getting the flu vaccine. It is best to get vaccinated now, and it is possible to do so at any week of pregnancy.
  3. COVID-19 vaccine: Recommended for pregnant women who are in a high-risk group.

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