What Steps Can Women take for Healthier Babies?

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, but not all birth defects can be prevented. A woman can, however, increase her chance of having a healthy baby. Many birth defects happen very early in pregnancy, sometimes before a woman even knows she is pregnant. Remember that about half of all pregnancies are unplanned.

Here are some steps a woman can take to get ready for a healthy pregnancy:

◘ Get early prenatal care and go to every appointment

◘ Keep up these healthy habits.
◘ Get early prenatal care and go to every appointment.

◘ Take a vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) folic acid every day.

◘ Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and street drugs.

◘ Keep hands clean by washing them often with soap and water to prevent infections.

◘ See a health care professional regularly. Talk with the health care professional about any medical problems and medicine use (both prescription and over-the-counter).

◘ Ask about avoiding any substances at work or at home that might be harmful to a developing baby.

◘ Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

◘ Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk and foods made from it.

◘ Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat.

While Pregnant:

◘ Keep up these healthy habits.
◘ Get early prenatal care and go to every appointment