Preconception health is the health of a woman before she becomes pregnant. It focuses on taking actions now to help protect the health of a baby and the mother in the future. This is important for every woman to consider whether or not she is planning a pregnancy because about half of all pregnancies are not planned. Preconception health services should include risk assessment or screening, interventions including education and/or counseling, and appropriate referrals.

The following may be addressed at health care visits:

The last few weeks of pregnancy can be really uncomfortable. It can be hard to sit, stand, and sleep. Sometimes women feel so bad, they ask their doctor or midwife to start labor early with medicine. This is called inducing labor.

Why is it Important to Wait for Labor?

Unless a woman has major health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure, inducing labor before 39 weeks can cause problems for you and your baby.

Smoking during pregnancy has been linked to 10 percent of all infant deaths and can impair fetal brain and nervous system development. Babies who are born to women who smoke are three times more likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and are typically born underweight. What some mothers don't realize is that an underweight baby can go on to suffer more health problems throughout its entire life than a baby born within the normal weight range. Not pregnant yet, but thinking about trying? Or have you just found out you're expecting? Stop smoking now. 

Many birth defects can happen early in pregnancy, sometimes before a woman knows she is pregnant. Not all birth defects can be prevented, but you can increase your chance of having a healthy baby.

Below are some tips and resources on how you can get ready for and have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Updated: March 25, 2026

Taking care of your mouth is important before and during pregnancy. Tooth decay and gum disease are infections that can affect you and your baby. Good prenatal care includes care of the mother's teeth and gums. It is safe to visit the dentist while you are pregnant.

It is important to:

Nine Months to Get Ready gives detailed information related to pregnancy. Topics include: fetal development, how a woman's body changes during pregnancy, tips for a healthy pregnancy, how to prepare for delivery, and breastfeeding.

Oral Health Lesson Plans/Teaching Tools

• Overview of Supplemental Oral Health Curricula for Preschool, Kindergarten, 2nd and 7th Grade (pdf)

The State Oral Health Plan was developed under the leadership of DPH's Division of Oral Health and its advisory council and coalition. It was facilitated by an external evaluator at the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Health Services Policy and Management. It is a living document, not intended to sit on a shelf. Many people and organizations collaborated on the plan, all with the same aim - to help South Carolinians have healthy mouths as well as healthy bodies.

Oral Health Resources for Health Care Professionals

DOH has gathered resources for health care professionals to address dental care access. These resources are intended for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and others in any clinical setting.