Thinking about having a baby? If you are, your health now is just as important as your health during pregnancy.
Having a healthy baby starts before you get pregnant. The steps below can help you take the right steps to get ready for a healthy pregnancy.
- Get enough folic acid every day. Folic acid is a vitamin that can lower the risk of birth defects in a baby’s brain and spine. You should take folic acid every day if you’re planning to get pregnant or could get pregnant. This will help you have enough in your body to support a healthy pregnancy. Some foods have folic acid, but it’s hard to get enough from diet alone. We recommend you take 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid daily. Taking a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid is a great way to get enough folic acid.
- Stop drinking alcohol and using tobacco, nicotine, or drugs. These substances are not safe in any amount or form during pregnancy. They can pass to the baby through your blood and have permanent effects on the baby.
- Take care of your emotional and mental health. Mental health is just as important as physical health for your overall well-being. Learn how to manage stress in healthy ways, ask for help from supportive family or friends, and set boundaries to protect your emotional health. It’s okay to ask for help if you feel sad, anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or have nightmares. You can call 988 or talk to a doctor if you’re struggling.
- Think about pregnancy spacing. It’s recommended to wait 18 to 24 months after you have a baby to get pregnant again. This period of time helps your body regain health and energy for another pregnancy.
- See a doctor. Talk to a medical provider about things you can do to have a healthy pregnancy. This includes working to get chronic conditions, like diabetes or asthma, under control. This is also a chance to get any immunizations you need. Talk to them about medications you take, including prescriptions and supplements.
- Practice good, healthy habits. Eat a variety of healthy foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats—that you enjoy, make you feel good, and help your body function at its best. Drink plenty of water. Move your body every day. Stick to a bedtime routine so you get plenty of sleep.
You can learn more about preconception health by visiting the Power Your Life website.