She has been your guide through pregnancy and the first years of your child's life.

Now Heidi Murkoff, the best-selling author of "What to Expect When You're Expecting," is stepping back to help parents navigate what they should do before conception actually occurs.

She just released a book titled "What to Expect Before You're Expecting" that is jam-packed with facts, advice and tips about making a baby. It comes at a time when medical experts are advising women to better prepare their bodies and lifestyles for pregnancy.

"There are so many things that factor into fertility and those same things factor into the health of your pregnancy and also the health of your baby," Murkoff said during a recent telephone interview. "Taking a few extra months to plan can fast-track your fertility."

Topics in "What to Expect Before Your Expecting" include weight management and healthy eating, tips about timing sex and whether a couple should pursue fertility treatments. There is also a section at the back of the book where a woman can track her peak fertility times and take notes on fertility treatments.

You'll find the book, although lengthy, is filled with mostly informative facts and advice. Highlights include sections on weight management and healthy eating. Murkoff encourages prospective parents to eat nutritious foods before trying to conceive because it will improve fertility and also give their future baby a healthier start.

She also discusses certain foods that may or may not boost fertility, depending if you believe the old wives' tales. Some of these "fertile" foods include oysters, yams, honey and pumpkin seeds.

"The truth is, you can get pregnant no matter what you eat and don't eat," Murkoff said. "But there is a growing body of evidence that your fertility may be tied to what you eat and filling your body with certain foods may fill your belly with a baby sooner."

Another emphasis in the book is that men should be just as involved as women in maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle prior to pregnancy. Murkoff advises dads-to-be to exercise, eat right and eliminate habits such as drinking and smoking — just like prospective mothers are encouraged.

"It takes two healthy bodies to make a healthy baby," Murkoff said.

From her perspective, fertility is one of the top issues of concern for couples. And she believes her book will empower couples as they start on the path to making a baby.

"You have got to remember that knowledge is power," Murkoff said.

For more information about Murkoff and her "What to Expect" books, log on to: www.whattoexpect.com. The Web site also includes tips and advice about conception and pregnancy.

E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com