Basic information on health and care options for women in their childbearing years

Nearly 40% of births to U.S. women result from "surprise" pregnancies. Whether or not a woman intends to become pregnant, it is useful to have basic information on pregnancy nutrition and health care handy to help get things off to a good start should the time come. In this publication, we discuss current guidelines on nutrition and weight gain for healthy pregnancy as well as infant feeding because these factors can make a difference in the health of mothers and babies. In addition, we review pregnancy and birth care options available to women with healthy pregnancies. These include safe options that may not be well known but that many women find supportive. Resources for more information are also provided