Addressing optimal maternal weight and exercise during the preconception period and pregnancy

Pregnancy is an opportunity for women to access the healthcare system and address their health needs. Before and during pregnancy, providers should emphasize assisting women in interventions aimed at establishing a healthy weight and exercise regimen and should tailor their guidance based on a woman's baseline level of fitness. Doing so will improve a woman's likelihood of pregnancy and improve outcomes if she does become pregnant. Our goal is to propose actions providers should take to improve a woman's understanding of and ability to manage her weight and exercise goals during the preconception and pregnancy periods.