What can I do before I am pregnant to have a healthy pregnancy?

Kevin W. Windom, MD

OBGYN (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

I believe that all women who are considering pregnancy should have pre conception counseling with an OB/GYN doctor. At this appointment you will have a well-woman exam and your doctor will obtain a history from you. You will be started on prenatal vitamins and will be given relevant expectations on when you can expect to become pregnant as well as expectations of fertility rates.

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

Internal Medicine

Remember that 50 percent of pregnancies are not planned, so it is important to take a healthy approach to pre-pregnancy planning. So if you're a woman of childbearing age and not using birth control, you should follow these steps to better your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Stop smoking
Stop drinking alcohol
Stop using recreational drugs
Avoid second-hand smoke
Begin to floss every day if you do not already

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Prior To Conception

Before planning to have a baby, visit your doctor to check for risk factors that may cause complications with our pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins should be taken before you start trying to get pregnant so that your body is ready to support another life. Some medical and dental procedures cannot be done while pregnant so you can discuss with your doctor what steps need to be taken to address those issues before becoming pregnant.

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