Why it's important
Your health before pregnancy is very important and can affect the health of your future baby. By making a plan before getting pregnant, you can take steps to a healthier you and baby-to-be.
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 1 month before and during pregnancy can help prevent major birth defects of the developing baby's brain and spine (neural tube defects).
3. Stop drinking alcohol, smoking, and using certain drugs
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using certain drugs can cause problems during pregnancy, such as premature birth, birth defects, and infant death.
If you are trying to get pregnant and cannot stop drinking, smoking, or using drugs, contact your healthcare provider, local Alcoholics Anonymous®, or local alcohol treatment center.
4. Avoid toxic substances and contaminants
Avoid harmful chemicals, environmental contaminants, and other toxic substances such as synthetic chemicals, some metals, fertilizer, bug spray, and cat or rodent feces around the home and in the workplace. These substances can hurt the reproductive systems of men and women.
Keep Reading:About Reproductive Health and the Workplace
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.
Keep Reading:About Healthy Weight and Growth
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.
Based on your family health history, your doctor might refer you for genetic counseling. Other reasons for genetic counseling include having had several miscarriages, infant deaths, or trouble getting pregnant (infertility), or having a genetic condition or birth defect that occurred during a previous pregnancy.
Keep Reading:About Family Health History
7. Get mentally healthy
Mental health is how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. To be at your best, you need to feel good about your life and value yourself. Everyone feels worried, anxious, sad, or stressed sometimes. However, if these feelings do not go away and interfere with your daily life, get help. Talk with your healthcare provider about your feelings and treatment options.
Healthcare professionals can also help with counseling and other support services if you are in a stressful or abusive environment.
Resources
Health Resources
This tool can show which screening tests and vaccines you or your loved ones need to stay healthy. The website also has health tips and information on many health topics, including pregnancy.
This PDF helps you make goals and take steps toward getting healthy before pregnancy.
Alcohol and Drug Resources
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a treatment facility locator. This locator helps people find drug and alcohol treatment programs in their area.
Alcoholics Anonymous® is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem. Locate an A.A. program.
Smoking Resources
1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
