For Mom & Dad

Visit your health care provider at least once. This is the time to talk about your medical history, ask questions, and find out if any tests are recommended. This pre-conception visit is especially important if you have had major health problems or problems with a previous pregnancy. For example, if you have been using birth control pills, your provider can tell you how long to wait before trying to conceive. Another example are prescription drugs, if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs, be sure to tell your provider.

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, drinking caffeine to excess, or taking street drugs. There is evidence that the above substances, used by the mother, can cause problems with the pregnancy and even birth defects. Avoid toxic substances, chemicals, and radiation at home or at work. Exposure to these by either partner can make it more difficult to become pregnant and can harm the fetus.

For Mom…

Try to get to your normal weight before attempting to conceive. It's important not to be underweight or overweight during pregnancy. Don't diet during pregnancy, however, or while you are trying to become pregnant.

Make sure to get enough of the B vitamin (folic acid) on a daily basis. Suggested dosage for a non-pregnant woman is 0.4 mg.; and for a pregnant woman is 0.8 - 1.0 mg. Studies have shown that birth defects of the spine and brain can occur if the mother does not get sufficient folic acid during the first few weeks of her pregnancy. Folic acid is contained in many foods and in multivitamin supplements.