Lots on your mind? Ask anything!

Planning a healthy pregnancy begins with the space to ask all of your questions.

Whether you’re just starting to think about getting pregnant or you already have kids, planning for a baby can bring up questions. Talk to a doctor or nurse in your community about planning for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Planning pregnancy

Research shows there are many benefits to planning your pregnancy. Going to a doctor or nurse for pre-pregnancy care can help you have a healthier pregnancy and reduce your child’s risk of health problems, even into adulthood. Here are some steps you can take as you start to plan:

Find the right doctor or nurse for you

It’s important to feel safe, comfortable and understood. Finding a doctor or nurse who you can talk to openly and honestly, or in the language you prefer, can help. Here are some questions to ask when you call to make an appointment:

  • Is interpretation available in my preferred language?

  • Are written materials provided in my language?

  • How are race, ethnicity and gender questions asked about on paperwork?

  • Can I bring a friend or family member into the appointment with me?

  • Are bathrooms gender-neutral or gender-specific?

  • Taking care of your physical health with support from your doctor or nurse.

  • Knowing and talking to your partner about when you feel ready to get pregnant.

  • Talking to a doctor or therapist about your mental and emotional health or if you’re not feeling safe in your relationship.

  • Finding support if you are struggling with smoking, drinking or using drugs.

Put your health first

Having a healthy baby means taking care of yourself even before getting pregnant. This includes:

Connect with community resources

There’s support in your community to help you get the care you need. Ask your doctor or nurse about community resources like:

Ready to make an appointment?

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What’s the appointment like?

Your appointment is your chance to get support and advice about whatever you're going through, no matter how old you are or what questions you have. Here’s what you can expect:

You can ask anything

You can have a private, open and honest conversation about planning pregnancy with no judgment.

You've got options

You can choose the clinic you're most comfortable with, whether it's a county health clinic, a clinic that specializes in sexual health, or a private clinic.

Care is free or low-cost

The clinics on this site offer many services for free or at a reduced cost, depending on what you can afford. You can pay at the time of your appointment or later. Many accept the Oregon Health Plan and many insurance plans. You can also pay in cash if you don't want to use your family's health insurance or have a bill sent to your house.   

No worries about your age

Oregon law says even if you're under 18, you don’t need a parent’s permission to get family planning advice*. If you have questions about getting pregnant or how to make sure you only get pregnant when you’re ready, you can talk to a doctor or nurse privately.

*Important: Some clinics may let your parents know if you get a prescription for birth control, so be sure to ask about this when you make an appointment.

Questions to ask

Doctors and nurses are trained to listen to you and what you need with care and respect. Asking questions helps them give you the best possible care. It also helps you make an informed choice.

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

  1. How can I prepare my body for a healthy pregnancy?

  2. Do I need any vaccinations before I get pregnant?

  3. What does healthy eating look like before I’m pregnant?

  4. Are there times during my cycle when I have more chances of getting pregnant?

  5. What is the best birth control to take if I know I want to get pregnant in a year?

Find a clinic near you

Make an appointment with a doctor or nurse at the clinic closest to you.