Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy

The miracle of childbirth is a delicate one. When you become a mother, you take on the responsibility of two lives. Before conception even occurs, it is necessary to pay attention to your lifestyle choices and how you are treating your own body. Healthy mothers lead to healthy baby growth and development. Here are a few of the most important health tips to remember when you are planning a pregnancy.

Healthy Pregnancy
  • Maintain a healthy weight for your body type. Overweight or underweight mothers may face pregnancy complications
  • Follow the recommended daily nutritional intake of healthy foods and get some form of exercise every day
  • Consider taking folic acid, iron and calcium supplements before conception and into the first 28 days of pregnancy
  • Avoid using illicit drugs, alcohol or smoking before, during and directly after childbirth
  • Know your personal and family medical history and the risks they may present for you or your baby
  • Identify domestic violence. Women abused before pregnancy are at risk for abuse during pregnancy, which can harm fetal development
  • Practice proper infection control, including avoidance of undercooked or raw foods and washing your hands

Learn more about how you can prepare for a healthy pregnancy: