I Want to Prepare My Body for a Healthy Pregnancy
When getting ready to have a baby, for some it may take only a few months to get pregnant and for others it may take longer. Visit your primary care provider or your OBGYN for a check up before trying for a baby if possible. There are things both men and women can do for their health to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and support the environment to have healthy baby before and between pregnancies. If you are thinking about having a baby, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following 8 steps:
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1
- Track your ovulation cycle
- Discuss your current contraception methods with your healthcare provider
- Make sure your vaccinations are up to date
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2
- Review your list of medications
- Communicate any fertility concerns from your personal or family health history. This includes asking your doctor about getting tested for any STD/STI’s as well as your partner
- Explore genetic testing options if necessary
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3
- Check the nutrition facts label on prenatal or multivitamins
- Eat dark green vegetables regularly (spinach, romaine, broccoli, asparagus)
- Eat legumes regularly (beans, peas, lentils)
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4
- Set specific, realistic, and measurable goals around your changing health behaviors
- Seek accountability and support from people around you who influence these behaviors
- Consider a new healthy behavior to replace these less healthy actions
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5
- Wear a mask around chemicals, including household cleaning supplies and lawn pesticides
- Ask someone else to change cat litter
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly right before eating
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6
- Aim for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day
- Park further from building entrances to increase your steps per day
- Explore movement activities that bring you joy
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7
- Gather information about health conditions from immediate family members for you and your partner
- Learn about fertility issues experienced by family members
- Explore genetic testing to learn about your genes
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8
- Do not stop medications for mental health before discussing options with your provider
- Identify 1-2 actions that help you reduce stress
- Talk with your provider about changes in your mood
Marijuana is a schedule 1 controlled substance and should be avoided during your pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Find more information on marijuana and pregnancy
Helpful Resources
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Vitamins & Minerals Nutrition for Healthy Growth & Development
- Changes During Pregnancy (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- Changes During Pregnancy (pdf)
- Preconception Checklist/Steps (pdf) (Center for Disease Control)
- Nutrition During Pregnancy | ACOG
- Vitamins and other nutrients during pregnancy | March of Dimes
- Healthy Pregnancy: Get The Facts (pdf)