Not all birth defects can be prevented. But a woman can increase her chance of having a healthy
baby by taking the simple steps below.
Before Pregnancy
- Discuss your upcoming pregnancy with your health care provider.
- Treat medical conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure, and continue to do so throughout your pregnancy.
- Watch your diet and your weight. Women should be within 15 pounds of their ideal weight before they become pregnant. Being overweight or underweight during pregnancy can lead to problems.
- Women should get all needed vaccinations such as rubella and chicken pox before their pregnancy. Certain vaccines can affect a baby's development if given at the wrong time.
- Take a multivitamin that has folic acid in it every day.
During Pregnancy
Do:
- Get regular, moderate exercise. Exercise is good for you and your baby, as it can help reduce fatigue and speed recovery after birth. Exercise also promotes a sense of well-being and decreases the stress of pregnancy.
- Have regular medical check-ups. Talk to your health care provider about any medical problems you may be having.
- Check with your doctor before taking medication. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs may be harmful to a developing baby.
- Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables to remove any possible insecticide residue.
- Take a multivitamin that has folic acid in it every day.
- Take iron supplements to prevent anemia.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Avoid:
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.
- Avoid all alcohol, tobacco, and street drugs.
- Avoid contact with raw meat and cat feces (both are sources of toxoplasmosis).
- Avoid cleaning agents, paint, and some insecticides that may contain toxic ingredients.
- Avoid X-rays during pregnancy.
- Avoid substances at work or at home your doctor says might be harmful to a developing baby.
- Avoid risky sexual practices. Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV can harm your baby.
- Using alcohol and illicit drugs during pregnancy can cause very serious problems for a developing child. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can cause learning problems and behavioral disorders in the newborn.
Talk to your health care provider about:
- Care for you and your baby before and during pregnancy
- Changes in diet
- Which vaccinations to have and when to get them
- What kinds of exercise are acceptable during pregnancy
- Any medications you are taking for any medical problems or sickness
- Anything that is unclear or of concern regarding the pregnancy
Cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke can lead to many problems, including low birth weight, miscarriage, and infant mortality.
If You Are a Non-Smoker
Avoid other people's smoke while you are pregnant. Studies suggest that regular exposure to secondhand smoke may harm a developing child.
If You Smoke
You should quit or cut back as much as you can. Here are some resources that can help:
