Is your body ready for pregnancy? A great deal of attention is focused on being healthy during pregnancy, but less focus is often placed on what steps you can take prior to becoming pregnant to ensure a healthy pregnancy. By being proactive prior to pregnancy, you are placing your body in the best possible state to not only become pregnant, but for a healthy delivery. Consider the 10 steps outlined below as you prepare for a healthy pregnancy.

1.      Folic Acid- One of the most important things that you can do before and during your pregnancy is to take folic acid. Choose either a multi-vitamin or a single focused folic acid vitamin with 400 micrograms every day. Folic acid works to promote the health of the baby, and to reduce the chances of several common birth defects.

2.      Pre-Pregnancy Check Up- If you are planning to start a family, visit with your primary health care provider or your OB/GYN for a check up. They will help to make sure that your immunization records are up to date, can review your health history and current state of health and can address any issues before you take this important family planning step.

3.      Diet- If possible, it is advised to work to become in the best possible shape prior to your pregnancy. Avoid or reduce high fat foods, reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake and begin to eat a well balanced diet, full of fruits and vegetables. If you are currently participating in an exercise routine, continue and if you are not currently exercising, with the advice of your physician, begin an exercise routine that comprises both cardiovascular exercise and strength building. If you are overweight, it is also advised that you work to reduce your weight prior to becoming pregnant.

4.      Stop Smoking- Not only should you stop smoking, but you should avoid second hand smoke as much as possible. Smoke in either form can significantly harm the baby’s development. If you are having trouble with quitting, speak with your primary care physician and they will be able to recommend steps or programs that can help you to stop.

5.      Eliminate Alcohol- Many women do not realize that they are pregnant during the first few weeks, continuing to drink alcohol if that is currently a part of their typical daily lifestyle. If you are actively trying to become pregnant, it is advised that you stop drinking alcohol all together.

6.      Eliminate Street Drugs- Illegal drugs can significantly increase health issues of your child, including mental problems and physical problems. And, these types of drugs can often cause a woman to miscarry. So, eliminate all exposure to illegal drugs prior to planning your family.

7.      Increase Personal Hygiene Habits- Infections can cause damage to a baby, so it is advised to take several common precautions such as washing your hands more frequently, avoiding raw foods, washing foods thoroughly before eating, avoiding any unpasteurized dairy products and avoiding handling any cat litter. Also, if you come into contact with others who are ill, be sure to take extra precautions with sanitizing and washing hands before and after contact with them or their environment.

8.      Avoid Hazardous Substances- Many common everyday items are actually hazardous to your own health, but also to your baby’s. Work to avoid many common cleaning items and pesticide products. If you need to come into contact with these types of items, wear protective gloves.

9.      Review your Family History- There are a variety of health problems that a baby can develop as a result of heredity. Review your family history for any potential signs or common health defects or common birth defects and discuss any and all concerns with your physician.

10.  Reduce Stress- Stress can cause many harmful effects on our bodies, many of which will not produce symptoms and go unnoticed. Work to reduce as much stress as possible while you are trying to conceive.