03/12/2025
Planning for pregnancy:
1. Talk to your healthcare provider
Before getting pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about your health history and any medical conditions you currently have.
Take a list of talking points so you don't forget anything. Be sure to talk to your doctor about:
Any current medical conditions you have
All medicines you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and vitamins
Vaccinations
Lifestyle and behavior
2. Get 400 micrograms of folic acid daily
Folic acid is a B vitamin. Having enough folic acid in your body at least 3 months before and during pregnancy
3. Stop drinking alcohol, smoking, and using certain drugs
Drinking alcohol, smoking, and using certain drugs can cause problems during pregnancy, such as premature birth, birth defects, and infant death.
4. Avoid toxic substances and contaminants
Avoid harmful chemicals, environmental contaminants, and other toxic substances
5. Reach and maintain a heathy weight
People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk for many serious conditions, including complications during pregnancy. People who are underweight are also at risk for serious health problems.
6. Learn your family history
Collecting your family's health history can help you identify factors that might affect your baby or your ability to become pregnant.
7. Get mentally healthy
Mental health is how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life.
Lifted from CDC website.