Healthy pregnancies start even before conception.

Saint Francis Medical Center is sponsoring a community baby shower event to help women understand what they can do for the health of their baby during their pregnancy and even before conceiving.

This educational event will be held at Saint Francis Medical Center on Saturday, July 26 from 2 -- 4 p.m. in conference rooms 3 and 4.

Participants will be able to tour the Family Birthing Center and find information about educational resources available in the community.

There will also be the opportunity to pre-register for classes to learn about childbirth preparation, breastfeeding and more.

In true baby shower tradition, the afternoon will include games, gifts for everyone, and refreshments. There is also a grand prize drawing for a infant car seat.

“Research shows that mothers can do a lot to ensure they have a safe and healthy pregnancy -- even before conception,” said Lana McCoy, RN, the Outreach Education Coordinator with the Saint Francis Family Birthing Center. “This is a fun, relaxed atmosphere in which to provide important information to women and promote the services that are available in our community.”

The event is sponsored by a community grant from the March of Dimes and the Saint Francis Medical Center Foundation.

This is the second of four similar baby shower events planned. The next two are scheduled for Oct. 18 and Jan. 24 so that women can pick a date that works for them.

Women are encourages to attend early in their pregnancy or even if they’re just thinking about becoming pregnant.