Timely Tip: Thinking about pregnancy? Start planning now!

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Since most pregnancies are unplanned, it makes sense to prepare even if you aren’t planning to get pregnant right away. Your baby’s vital organs begin to develop in the first few weeks after you conceive, sometimes before you even know you are pregnant. Because of this, it’s very important for women of childbearing age to be sure they are making healthy choices.

What are healthy choices I should be making?

Whether or not you get pregnant, these are great choices you could be making to improve your health and well being, as well as that of a future child.

• Take folic acid every day Even if you eat a healthy and balanced diet, you may not be getting enough folic acid. This is especially important for women of child-bearing age. Taking folic acid (0.4mg) every day can lower the risk of certain birth defects of the spine and skull. Folic acid is found in green, leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, in orange juice and in some fortified grains and cereals. Adding a daily multi-vitamin to your diet is another way to ensure you are getting your daily dose.

• If you smoke, quit! If you smoke, the most important thing you can do to improve your health is to quit now.

• Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs You could do serious harm to your baby if you use recreational drugs or drink alcohol while you are pregnant.

• Embrace healthy relationships Has your partner ever hurt, hit, or threatened you? Domestic violence and abuse can be physical or with words, and it often happens more than just once. Sometimes abuse can begin before pregnancy, and sometimes it starts after you get pregnant. Abuse during pregnancy can cause health problems for you and your baby. If you need help, contact your doctor or another health care professional. Or, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233).

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet Maintaining a diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products will help you get all the vitamins and minerals you and your baby will need. A healthy diet will make it easier for you to get pregnant, and will benefit you and your baby once you conceive.

• Maintain a healthy weight The closer you are to a healthy body weight, the healthier you and your baby will be. Make a plan to eat well: achieving a healthy weight can be a side benefit of a nutritious diet. Regular exercise can also help prepare you for pregnancy: it reduces stress and anxiety, builds strength and energy, and can put you on track to starting a healthy family.

• Exposure to toxic chemicals or radiation Certain chemicals found in the home or in the workplace can harm your developing baby, or make it difficult to become pregnant. If you work with chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area or wear rubber gloves to protect yourself.

• Get vaccinated Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date, especially for rubella and whooping cough.

• See your doctor Regular appointments with your doctor can help prepare for your pregnancy.

More resources:

• To learn more about preparing for a pregnancy, connect to our health and wellness section.
• Talk to your physician or healthcare provider about your plans to get pregnant. He or she can give you more information about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
• More information is available on your physician’s homepage. You can find links to online health resources, or communicate with your doctor by email.
• Choose a class to take at your local Health Education Center. You can receive more information on nutrition, planning for pregnancy and other topics.
• Check the Kaiser Permanente Health Encyclopedia for more information on planning for a healthy pregnancy.

Disclaimer
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