Preconception Health

Taking good care of yourself before you become pregnant will give your future baby a healthier start. Below is a checklist to review prior to becoming pregnant.

• Get a complete physical
• Take a multi-vitamin with folic acid
• Discuss with your doctor chronic medical conditions that may impact pregnancy (diabetes, genital herpes, Chrohn’s disease)
• Review medications you are taking
• Ask for a blood test to determine your immunity to childhood diseases
• Review job related hazards to determine whether they could pose a risk to a developing fetus
• Start taking prenatal vitamins three to six months before you plan to conceive
• Assess your eating habits, keep a journal for a week
• Cut back on fats and sweets
• Drink lots of liquids; at least 8 glasses a day of water, juice or milk
• Cut back on caffeinated beverages
• If you smoke or use other tobacco products, strongly work to quit. Tobacco poses many risks for a fetus. 
• If you currently have an exercise program, check with your doctor to make sure it is safe to continue during pregnancy.
• If you do not currently exercise, ask your doctor if it is safe to start