Top 10 List: Things to Consider Before Pregnancy

  1. Every woman of childbearing age should take 400 micrograms of Folic Acid daily.  Folic Acid is required to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida (malformation of the spinal column) and anecephaly (partially formed or missing brain).  Folic acid is needed in the first 27 days of pregnancy to prevent these defects, and most women are unaware of their pregnancy at this stage.

  2. Don't drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, and do drugs.  Drinking alcohol may lead to fetal alcohol syndrome in a fetus in which the child is born with learning deficiencies (possibly mental retardation) and will possibly be born with birth defects.  Tobacco causes prematurity in infants and also causes low birth weight.  In addition, the child will likely have asthma, and will be at an increased risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  Second-hand smoke is the same as smoking yourself, so leave the room if someone else is smoking around you.  Other drugs can cause serious birth defects in the infant, can lead to miscarriage, prematurity, and chemical dependence in the infant once it is born.

  3. Schedule a doctor’s appointment at least 3-6 months before you plan to become pregnant.  With your doctor you should discuss what you know about your family’s medical history.  For instance, if there is a history of birth defects or premature labor in your family, let your doctor know.  You should also get a physical and a pap smear to make sure that your body is healthy enough for pregnancy.  Also discuss with your doctor any medications you are currently taking.

  4. Depending on your ethnic background, you may want to have genetic testing done by your doctor. 

  5. Eat a healthy diet and exercise.  The healthier your body is before and during pregnancy, the healthier your baby will be.  Remember, your baby pulls from your body what you put in it.  Therefore, eat a well balanced meal, eating correct portions from the five food groups.  Also, exercise at least 3-4 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.  Continue to exercise once you become pregnant, because exercise has been shown to make delivery easier and your baby healthier.

  6. Avoid infections.  Make sure that you have recently had a dentist appointment, because an infection in your mouth can affect a growing fetus.  Also, make sure to treat all cuts and wounds with antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to prevent infection.  Any infection you get, the growing baby will get as well.

  7. Be cautious of hazards.  Toxic substances can be found in the food you eat and in the environment you are in.  Check out the Toxin section of the website to see which foods to be cautious about.  Also, remember if you are exposed to any chemicals or other hazardous substances, your baby is exposed.  For more information, contact your doctor.

  8. Be cautious of medications.  If you are unsure what medicines are safe to take when trying to conceive a child, contact a doctor or pharmacist. Medicines can also include herbal supplements, so ask your doctor for clarification.  Herbal and natural supplements may be more harmful than synthetic medicines in some cases.

  9. Avoid stress as often as possible.  Stress has been proven to shorten a person’s life and put someone at a higher risk for cancer and other illnesses.  If you happen to get pregnant and are stressed frequently, your baby might develop depression or anxiety problems later in life.  Therefore, if you are stressed out constantly, consider meditation, yoga, or another method of calming yourself down.  Take time to relax.

  10. Continue to use a form of contraception until you and your family are financially and emotionally prepared for the birth of a newborn.  While the birth of a new baby is a very exciting time, it can also be very stressful and put strains on relationships.  Therefore, make sure you and your family are well-prepared before conception.

Other Check Lists to Consider Before Conception:

American Academy of Family Physicians "Preconception Health Care" iParenting Media "A Little Planning Goes a Long Way" Babycentre "Lifestyle Readiness Checklist" Centers for Disease Control "Preconception Care: Questions and Answers" March of Dimes "Getting Healthy Before Pregnancy"
Disclaimer:  This information is meant for educational purposes only and cannot replace medical advice.  Contact your doctor about any concerns you have.