About pregnancy planning - Fertility

What You Should Know

• There are things you can do before and between pregnancies to increase the chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
• Preparing your body for pregnancy may be different for each person.
• The following are important steps to help you stay healthy for yourself and your future children.

Why It Matters

Your health before pregnancy is very important and can affect the health of your future baby. If you make a plan before becoming pregnant, you can take steps to help both you and your future baby be healthier.

Pregnancy Planning

1. Talk with your healthcare provider

Before becoming pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about your medical history and any medical conditions you currently have.

Bring a list of topics to discuss so you do not forget anything. Make sure to talk with your doctor about:

• Any medical conditions you currently have
• All medications you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and vitamins
• Vaccinations
• Lifestyle and behaviors

2. Take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day

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 in 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, including premature birth, birth defects, and infant death.

If you are trying to become pregnant and cannot stop drinking, smoking, or using drugs, contact your healthcare provider, your local Alcoholics Anonymous®, or a local alcohol treatment center.

4. Avoid toxic substances and pollutants

Avoid harmful chemicals, environmental pollutants, and other toxic substances such as synthetic chemicals, certain metals, fertilizers, insecticides, and cat or rodent feces at home and in the workplace. These substances can harm the reproductive systems of both men and women.

5. Reach and maintain a healthy weight

People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of many serious conditions, including complications during pregnancy. People who are underweight are also at risk of serious health problems.

6. Know your family history

Collecting your family medical history can help identify factors that could affect your baby or your ability to become pregnant.

Based on your family medical history, your doctor may refer you for genetic counseling. Other reasons for receiving genetic counseling include having had multiple miscarriages, infant deaths, difficulty becoming pregnant (infertility), or having a genetic condition or birth defect that occurred during a previous pregnancy.

7. Stay 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, seek 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.