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As long as a pregnant woman is able to perform the major functions of her job, not hiring or firing her because she is pregnant is against the law. It’s against the law to dock her pay or demote her to a lesser position because of pregnancy. It’s also against the law to hold back benefits for pregnancy because a woman is not married. All are forms of pregnancy discrimination, and all are illegal.

About 1 in 2 pregnancies in America are unplanned. Ideally, a woman who is surprised by an unplanned pregnancy is in good preconception health and is ready and able to care for a new child. But this sometimes isn't the case.

Preconception health is a woman’s health before she becomes pregnant. It means knowing how health conditions and risk factors could affect a woman or her unborn baby if she becomes pregnant.

These tips can help you cover all your safety bases to prepare for your baby.

Get tips from the Office on Women’s Health to be ready to bond with your new bundle of joy.

New mothers must take special care of their bodies after giving birth and while breastfeeding, too.

Find out how to spot the signs of labor, and get the facts on pain management, stages of labor, cesarean delivery, and more from the Office on Women’s Health.

Learn about pelvic inflammatory disease from the Office on Women’s Health.

Learn how to tell if your symptoms may mean you have a vaginal yeast infection from the Office on Women’s Health.

Learn about genital herpes form the Office on Women’s Health.