How can I prepare my body for a healthy pregnancy?

While it may seem simple to let nature take its course, there are several things you can

do to make sure you and your baby get a healthy start. If you have had any

medical problems, you should be evaluatedbefore conceiving. If you

have a condition like diabetes, your blood sugar needs to be in

good control before you conceive in order to prevent birth defects and

reduce the risk of a miscarriage. You should also be checked for STDs and make sure

you are protected against the rubella virus. While planning for pregnancy, consider your

weight. If you’re overweight, your risk is higher for things such as high blood pressure

and diabetes. During pregnancy, women of average weight should gain 25

to 35 pounds; underweight women should gain 28 to 40 pounds; and overweight women

should only gain about 15 to 25 pounds.

It is important to take prenatal vitamins before you become pregnant and throughout your

pregnancy. It is particularly important that your body have enough folic acid at the start

of the pregnancy because folic acid prevents a complication called a neural tube

defect from occurring. You should take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid each day for

one month prior to getting pregnant. Before you try to conceive, schedule a

preconception visit with an OB/GYN. A physician can help put you on the right path to

giving your baby the best possible start.

Richard Tom, M.D.