About Us
Who we are
ReadyOrNotAlberta.ca is an innovative website developed by Alberta Health Services (AHS). We asked Albertans what they wanted to see in a preconception health website, and asked health experts from across Alberta to help write the content. We offer up-to-date, evidence-based preconception health information for people 18–44 years of age.
What is Preconception Health?
Preconception health refers to the health of people during their reproductive years—the years a person could have a baby. It focuses on taking steps now to protect the health of a baby that a person might have sometime in the future.
Why is preconception health important?
Everyone can benefit from preconception health information, whether they plan to have a baby one day or not. This is because part of preconception health is about getting and staying healthy throughout life.
Around half of all pregnancies are unintended. Even with the high quality of healthcare that is available in Alberta, there are still health problems that could be improved with changes before pregnancy (preconception). ReadyOrNotAlberta.ca covers that time before pregnancy.
What you’ll find on this website
This site has been designed with two audiences in mind, knowing that people need different kinds of information based on their stage of life and plans for having (or not having) children:
- Ready: For those ready to have a baby in the next 18 months, people will find information about health before pregnancy and ways to make changes, big and small, that can support their health and the health of a future baby.
- Not Ready: For those who are not ready to have a baby in the next 18 months (or ever), there is information about birth control, safer sex and ways to support their health now and for the time if they ever decide to have a baby.
What is ‘My To-Do List’?
We have created ‘My To-Do List’ as a way for you to keep track of important information. Think of it as a shopping cart – and when you’re done, items that have been selected will be placed on your ‘To-Do List’, along with a key message and action items.
As you browse through different topics, you can click “Add this to My To-Do List” anytime you see something you want to print, email, save, or share. You can use it to share important info with your partner or use it as a reminder for your next check-up with a health care provider.
What is a Reproductive Life Plan?
Using a Reproductive Life Plan puts you in the driver’s seat to follow the path that’s right for you. It can help you decide if and when you are ready to have a baby. Even if you’re not planning a pregnancy right now (or don’t know if you ever will be), it’s important to think about your future. Your reproductive life plan can change as your priorities change, and planning to be healthy helps to keep your options open.
Thank you!
We want to thank the many people who shared their ideas for the development of this resource with us. We also want to thank the health care providers and health experts from across Alberta for their dedication and valuable contribution to the content development and review of the ReadyOrNotAlberta.ca website.
