Planning On Getting Pregnant
If you are planning on getting pregnant, taking certain steps can help reduce risks to both you and your baby. Proper health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as maintaining a healthy body during pregnancy. This is because the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is very sensitive time. 
The risk of miscarriage is the greatest. In addition, all of the baby’s organs are developing, so the risk of birth defects is also the greatest. By the time most women realize that they are pregnant, this important time has already passed. By planning ahead, you can affect important factors in your lifestyle that can help prevent potential problems. Steps that you should take to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and baby should include a pre-pregnancy exam, a smoking cessation program, a proper diet with vitamins, an exercise and weight management program, medical management of pre-exisiting conditions, a conscious effort to prevent birth defects, infection control, and staying away from harmful substances.
One of the most important steps in helping you prepare for a healthy pregnancy is a pre-pregnancy examination, often called a preconceptual care visit, performed by your health care provider before you become pregnant. This examination should include an assessment of the maternal and paternal medical history – to determine if any family member has had any medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or mental retardation. An assessment of any possible genetic disorders – as several genetic disorders may be inherited. Some genetic disorders can be detected by blood tests before pregnancy. And an assessment of the woman’s personal medical history to determine if there are any medical conditions that may require special care during pregnancy – such as epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, and/or allergies; previous surgeries; past pregnancies; and an evaluation of current vaccinations to assess a woman’s immunity to rubella (German measles), in particular, since contracting this disease during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or birth defects. If a woman is not immune, a vaccine may be given at least 3 months before conception to provide immunity.
If you are a smoker, stop smoking now. Studies have shown that babies born to mothers who smoke tend to be lower in birthweight. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke may adversely affect the fetus.
Eating a balanced diet before and during pregnancy is not only good for the mother’s overall health, but essential for nourishing the fetus. Begin taking a prenatal vitamin daily, prescribed by your heath care provider, to make certain that your body gets all the necessary nutrients and vitamins needed to nourish a healthy baby.
Exercise and Weight Management
It is important to exercise regularly and maintain a proper weight before and during pregnancy. Women who are overweight may experience medical problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Women who are underweight may have babies with low birthweight.
Take control of any current or preexisting medical problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Take 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid each day, a nutrient found in some green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, and some vitamin supplements. Folic acid can help reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (also called neural tube defects). Avoid exposure to alcohol and drugs during pregnancy. In addition, be sure to inform your physician of any medications (prescription and over-the-counter) you are currently taking, all may have adverse effects on the developing fetus.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Pregnant women should avoid exposure to toxic and chemical substances (i.e., lead and pesticides), and radiation (i.e., x-rays). Exposure to high levels of some types of radiation and some chemical and toxic substances may adversely affect the developing fetus.
Pregnant women should avoid the ingestion of undercooked meat and raw eggs. In addition, pregnant women should avoid all contact and exposure to cat feces and cat litter, which may contain a parasite toxoplasma gondii that causes toxoplasmosis. Other sources of infection include insects (i.e., flies) that have been in contact with cat feces and should be avoided during pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis can cause a serious illness in, or death of, the fetus. A pregnant woman can reduce her risk of infection by avoiding all potential sources of the infection. A blood test before or during pregnancy can determine if a woman has been exposed to the toxoplasma gondii parasite.