Preparing for Pregnancy

From Mark DeFrancesco, M.D., an ob-gyn and chief medical officer at Women's Health Connecticut, in Avon. By Rachel Rabkin Pechman.

Slim down if you're overweight. Research shows that women who are obese before pregnancy are much more likely to have babies with birth defects. Start a healthy eating and exercise plan now. Another healthy move: Avoid high-mercury fish (such as swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish) to rid your system of the potential toxin; a buildup of mercury in your body can harm an unborn baby.

When: Ideally, 1 year before conception -- or as soon as you start thinking about getting pregnant -- since losing weight healthfully takes time