There are many things you can do to promote a healthy pregnancy before you even become pregnant. Being prepared helps your body handle the stress of pregnancy, labor and delivery.
If you are planning to become pregnant soon, there are several things you can do to ensure both your own and your baby's best health:
Tips for Preparing for Pregnancy
1. Folic Acid: Begin taking a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.
2. Stop Smoking: If you smoke, stop immediately. Pregnant women who smoke are more likely to have a stillbirth or a low birth weight baby. Even second-hand smoke is harmful to you and your unborn baby. View Unity's Preventive Health Guideline for more information. Visit Unity's tobacco cessation resources page to learn more about quitting tobacco use.
3. Stop Drinking: If you drink, stop immediately. Alcohol may cause lower birth weight, heart or brain defects and fetal alcohol syndrome. For more information, visit Unity's alcohol resources page.
4. Pre-pregnancy check-up: Contact your health care practitioner for a pre-pregnancy checkup Maintain your best health.
5. Stay Healthy: Get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.
