I am thrilled that for the first time we have a month of empowerment and education about the positive potential of pregnancy. Often special health months focus on important diseases; this month focuses on flourishing life. Pregnancy is a key time for women and their partners to take control of their own health and a unique opportunity to give the next generation the healthiest start.

Both the time of greatest vulnerability and the time of greatest possibility come before a baby is born. A few simple choices can help improve the odds of health greatly. As a pediatrician, I believe that all parents-to-be deserve to be taught about what matters. I volunteer for Pregnancy Awareness Month as a key vehicle for this education.

But PAM isn’t just for those who are already expecting. Vital health moments occur before a woman even discovers she is pregnant. As a medical clinician I am equally excited about getting the word out to those who are considering trying to conceive and those who might find themselves pregnant.

I encourage you to join us (me) and participate in PAM in whatever way works best for you, perhaps by coming in person to the May 1 event or signing up for the interactive newsletter or blogging, or taking the lead with your own ideas within your own circle of family, friends or colleagues to get the PAM word out during the month – or any combination! And please tell us about what you are doing. The ultimate goal of PAM is that everyone will take it as an opportunity to get messages out about pregnancy and health – that May will turn into the “Earth Day” for Pregnancy & New Parents.