Aim for Good Health Before Getting Pregnant

For women, good health before getting pregnant is so important to the future health of the infant. In fact, there are specific things you can do to help your baby even before you’re pregnant.

• Take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day before pregnancy.
• Get a pre-pregnancy checkup, including a dental checkup.
• Eat healthy food, maintain a healthy weight and get fit.
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Stop drinking alcohol.
• Don’t use illegal drugs.
• Avoid infections because some can harm a fetus.
• Avoid hazardous substances and chemicals.
• Talk to your health care provider about your family history, genetics and birth defects.
• Avoid stress.

More Information:

Preconception Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

March of Dimes  

9 questions to ask your doctor or nurse before you get pregnant.