I think I’m ready to become a parent! As I prepare for pregnancy, what kind of health precautions should I take?
- Jane
If you're trying to become pregnant, you can take many steps to keep yourself healthy and increase the chances of having a safe and healthy pregnancy. It's important to not smoke, and to avoid secondhand smoke, alcohol, and recreational drugs, which could jeopardize your health and your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
Ask your doctor about other precautions. He or she may recommend that you start taking folic acid, which has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects, such as spina bifida. Your doctor may also want to screen you for certain health conditions that may affect your pregnancy, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV/AIDS, and obesity, and run blood tests to check for immunity to infections such as rubella and chickenpox. And ask about any changes you might need to make regarding prescription or over-the-counter medications, as some can affect a developing fetus.
For more information, check out these articles.
A Week-by-Week Pregnancy Calendar
Birth Defects
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Folic Acid and Pregnancy
Staying Healthy During Pregnancy
10 Things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: May 2006
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We regret that we can't reply to any email inquiry. Although we can't reply personally, you may see your question posted to this page in the future. If you're looking for medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment, consult your doctor or other qualified medical professional. If this is an emergency, contact emergency services in your area.
