There are a number of things you should do prior to pregnancy. Some are well known, others less. It is always advisable to consult with your OB/GYN ( Gynecologist ) in addition to anythingI recommend, or you may read elsewhere.

1. TAY ZACHS You or your partner must have a blood test for this congenital disease ( If you are an Ashkenazi Jew ; or Morrocan ).If the test is negative; it is not necessary for your partner to do the test. The test is done for free, at Tel Hashomer Hospital. The Ministry of Health Web site has more details.
http://www.health.gov.il/pages/default.asp?maincat=42&catid=195&pageid=1579

2. Other GENETIC TESTS are available; it is up to you to decide if you want to do them. There are seven tests currently available for the general public. Further tests are done only after meeting a Doctor
specializing in genetic counseling.The tests are done privately, Kupat Holim will pay up to about 50%, your cost is about 700 NIShekel. Please check with your Kupat Holim. Additional details available at the
Ministry of Health site http://www.health.gov.il/pages/default.asp?pageid=863&parentid=854&catid=116&maincat=35

3. Women planning pregnancy should do BLOOD TESTS for VIRUSES prior to pregnancy, or at the very beginning of pregnancy. There are illnesses that are harmful to the embryo; so it is important to know your immune status before pregnancy. These illnesses are called: TORCHS ( short for Toxoplasma; Rubella; CMV; Herpes and Syphilis ). General blood tests are a good idea too.

4. It is highly recommended to take a MULTIVITAMIN including FOLIC ACID starting two months before pregnancy. It makes sense to continue throughout the pregnancy and while breast-feeding. This has been found very useful to cut the risk of "neural tube defects" ( a defect in the baby's development ). Do not take Folic Acid alone. The study was done with a Multivitamin and with Folic Acid, so we might as well get full advantage of the supplement.Kupat Holim will pay 50% for Materna or Prenatal vitamins.

5. It is best to start pregnancy as healthy and fit as you can, so.... Do exercise, try to be at a good weight; eat healthy foods, and of course: STOP SMOKING ; don't drink Alcohol and avoid harmful health habits.As usual - if you have any questions - do not hesitate to contact me!