Learn to control and manage the stress in your life before you try to get pregnant. There is convincing evidence that both acute stress (losing your job) and chronic stress (hating your job) can negatively affect your pregnancy and baby. Get six tips to manage stress here.

Begin taking a prenatal vitamin before you even consider getting pregnant. The supplement contains folic acid, which prevents neural tube defects like spina bifida. You don't need a prescription. Plus, to learn about fertility-boosting foods, click here.

Clean up your habits before you get pregnant. That means quitting smoking, staying out of smoke-filled rooms and cutting out the alcohol. You want your body as cleared of toxins as possible, both to increase your fertility and to provide the best possible home for a fertilized egg. Find help for quitting smoking here.

Rest during your pregnancy. "Sleep is very healing," said Dr. Luke. Even just putting your feet up for 45 minutes every afternoon can help by reducing excess fluids and improving blood flow to the baby. Sleep also helps your baby grow, she says. After all, children only grow during sleep, when growth hormone is released. She also recommends taking time out for yourself during pregnancy. "Listen to your body. Women usually think of themselves as last on the list, but when you're pregnant, that has to end." For tips on improving sleep without medication, click here.