1. Wait until you’re ready.

An unplanned pregnancy can be hard on you and yourfamily. Ideally, pregnancies should be spaced at least 18 months apart. Talk to your health-care provider about the birth control method that’s right for you, and use it until you’re ready to get pregnant. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially if left untreated, can lead to serious problems, including infertility. Condoms prevent HIV and other STDs. So even if you use another form of birth control, always use a condom to protect yourself against HIV and other STDs.

2. Get regular check-ups.

With regular medical appointments, you can help prevent health problems or find them early. You should get a check-up once a year, even if you feel fine. A routine visit is an opportunity to get up-to-date on immunizations, and to make sure that any medical problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, are properly treated. You should also be counseled and tested for HIV and other STDs, such as chlamydia, an infection that often occurs without symptoms.

3. Don’t smoke, drink, or use drugs.

Watch everything you put into your body:

Smoking makes it harder to get pregnant and causes many problems in pregnancy, including miscarriage, premature labor (going into labor too soon), and low birth weight. Babies who are born too soon or too small can be very sick, and die more easily. Second-hand smoke is also dangerous. In fact, smoking is so harmful in so many ways, that quitting is one of the best gifts you could ever give yourself and your baby.

For help quitting, talk to your provider or call the New York Smokers’ Quitline at 1-888-609-6292.