Healthy Pregnancy Tips

You can take steps before and during pregnancy to help ensure you give birth to a healthy baby. Many birth defects are preventable if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Before You Get Pregnant

Get in your best health with the help of Genesis before you become pregnant. Pre-pregnancy health tips include:

• Consult with your doctor about your desire to become pregnant.
• Consider genetic testing and counseling if you have a family history of genetic conditions or have had a difficult pregnancy in the past.
• Take a daily multivitamin that contains folic acid (400–800 mcg)—starting at least one month before you get pregnant—to help prevent major neurological and spinal birth defects.
• Get up to date on your vaccinations.
• Take steps to prevent infections, and wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid toxic substances and chemicals.
• Get medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, obesity or epilepsy under control.
• Do not smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke.
• Avoid cat waste, including changing or cleaning a litterbox.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Avoid rodent waste, including cleaning up after pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs.
• Refrain from alcohol and drug use.

While You're Pregnant

Follow these tips to give your baby his or her healthiest start and decrease your chance of a premature delivery.

• Visit your doctor as soon as you think you're pregnant and continue regular prenatal checkups throughout your pregnancy.
  
  • Check with your doctor before you stop or start any medication.
  • Discuss prenatal tests and newborn screenings.
  • Ask if anything restricts your ability to exercise.
• Continue to take a multivitamin that contains folic acid daily, or as directed by your doctor, to help prevent birth defects.
• Keep medical conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy, under control.
• Drink 8–10 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
• Do not smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Refrain from alcohol and drug use.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Don't clean or change a cat's litterbox, and avoid cat feces.
• Avoid rodent feces, including cleaning up after pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs.
• Stay active, as it can help you have an easier delivery.