Oh, baby! Becoming pregnant happens quickly for some women, and for others, it’s far more challenging. The best path, however, always starts with a plan. Did you know that half of all pregnancies in the United States aren’t planned – so by the time a woman realizes she’s pregnant, it can be too late to prevent certain birth defects? With information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, here are some tips for planning a healthy pregnancy.
1. Start with a checkup. Visit your physician and talk about your plan. Tell your doctor about all the medications – both prescription and over-the-counter – and dietary or herbal supplements that you take, then discuss the possible effects on a developing baby. Also, make sure medical conditions like diabetes are under control.
2. Remember folic acid! Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid daily. Folic acid helps a baby’s brain and spine develop very early in the first month of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant. You may want to place vitamins by your toothbrush or on the kitchen counter to help you remember to take them daily.
3. Manage and reduce stress to get mentally healthy. Be aware of the things that cause you stress and find ways to reduce those stresses. Also, be sure to get enough rest and exercise to improve your mood too.
4. Eat healthy foods. Take a look at your current diet and make sure that it includes a well-balanced variety of fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk, eggs, cheese and grains. Limit processed foods, sugar and high-fat foods.
5. Avoid cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs. It goes without saying that you should avoid these when pregnant, but it’s best to also be free of these substances when trying to become pregnant as well.
It is important to care for your body. If your body is healthy, you have a better chance of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby. We hope these preconception tips can help kick-start a healthy pregnancy and a lifetime of health and happiness for your future child.
With over 39 years of experience in maternal/child health, Pamela Pimentel, RN, CEO of MOMS Orange County, has led MOMS Orange County in helping at-risk mothers and their families have healthy babies through the nonprofit’s services of providing access to prenatal care, health screenings, infant development screenings, health education and referral services through monthly home visits and group classes. Learn more at momsorangecounty.org.
