Pregnancy Preparedness

When is the best time to start preparing for pregnancy?

Many people believe it’s when a woman is thinking of becoming pregnant. In reality, a woman should be healthy and aware of preconception health care before becoming sexually active or at least three months before conception, as studies indicate more than 50 percent of all pregnancies are unplanned.

“Women who make healthy choices before pregnancy and who maintain healthy behaviors during pregnancy increase their chances of having healthy babies,” said Jean Brender, Ph.D., R.N., professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health.

There are four steps a woman should follow toward a healthy pregnancy and child, Dr. Brender said. First, take 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid daily at least three months before becoming pregnant. Found in most cereals and vitamins, folic acid is an easy way to prevent birth defects, especially neural tube defects.

Next, stop smoking and drinking alcohol, as research indicates babies born to a female smoker during pregnancy have 30 percent greater odds of being born preterm compared to a nonsmoker. If you have medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or Hepatitis B, be sure these conditions are under control and have the proper medication. Also avoid exposures to toxic substances or potentially infectious materials at work or at home such as cleaning chemicals, solvent-based paints, and cat or rodent feces.

When visiting with a doctor before conceiving, talk about current medicines you are taking, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medicine, Dr. Brender said. If overweight or underweight, discuss a healthy eating and fitness program, as some adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and a few types of birth defects are related to obesity.