Why getting healthy before pregnancy can make a big difference

Whether you’re just beginning to think about pregnancy or actively planning, it’s never too early to begin preparing for a baby. One of the best places to begin is by focusing on your own health. Making sure you are healthy before pregnancy can help support a smoother pregnancy and give your baby the best possible start.

It’s common to feel unsure even before you start thinking about pregnancy.  Taking a few proactive steps to improve your health early can make a significant difference.

Start with your provider

• Stay up to date on regular Gyn care, including routine Pap smears
• Schedule a preconception checkup.
• Review medications and update vaccinations.
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Discuss your family health history.

Fuel your body

• Begin a prenatal vitamin with 400–800 mcg of folic acid.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with nutrient-dense proteins (like beans, nuts, lentils and lean meats), iron-rich foods and healthy fats.
• Limit caffeine (generally under 200 mg per day, about 1–2 cups of coffee).

Adopt healthy habits

• Stop or drastically reduce smoking or vaping and avoid alcohol or drugs.  
• Aim for 30 minutes of movement each day, like walking, yoga, swimming or dancing — and build a routine that feels sustainable for you.
• Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Your emotional well-being matters just as much as your physical health. Address stress, anxiety, or depression with your provider, and build a strong support system with family and friends before, during, and after pregnancy.

When you do get pregnant, early and consistent care is more urgent than ever. A new report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that a quarter (25%) of women delay prenatal care. No prenatal care raises the risk of maternal mortality. That’s especially concerning in Prince George’s County, where 8 out of 10 women leave the county to deliver their babies, and the maternal mortality rate for Black women is 50% higher than the national average.

A new support option in Prince George’s County

Luminis Health is proud to launch the Start Well: A Luminis Health Preconception Program. Led by registered nurses, midwives and doulas, these small, cohort-based groups connect participants with others navigating similar questions and experiences.

Sessions include education and on-site health screenings such as A1C testing, diabetes risk assessment, nutrition counseling and blood pressure checks. Thanks to a generous grant from the Greater Washington Community Foundation, the program is free and no insurance is required.

Classes begin in July, and enrollment is now open.

You’re invited to a Community Baby Shower

As part of Black Maternal Health Week, Luminis Health will host its third annual Community Baby Shower on Saturday, April 11, from noon until 4 p.m. at Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in Glendale.  

The event is dedicated to celebrating and supporting parents and those considering having children in the Prince George's County community through:  

• Educational presentations on pregnancy, maternal mental health, and lactation.
• Local vendors offering baby essentials and supportive services
• A raffle for a car seat and stroller.
• Diaper and other baby giveaways.

The Community Baby Shower is free and open to the public and is designed for expectant mothers and pregnant people and new moms and parents with babies up to age 2.

New Women’s Health Pavilion on the way

Luminis Health’s ongoing commitment to maternal health is just getting started. In the coming weeks, we will break ground on our new Women’s Health Pavilion on the campus of Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham. The pavilion will include inpatient obstetric services, including labor, delivery, and postpartum care.  

These expanded services are scheduled to launch in 2028. Once fully operational, we look forward to delivering 2,000 babies each year, providing families with high-quality care close to home.  

By expanding access to comprehensive women’s health services, we can help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in our community and build healthier, thriving families for generations to come.