Assess Your Health Before Pregnancy, Experts Urge

If there’s a chance that you could start a family soon, take time to take stock of your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines that advise women to focus on their health before they become pregnant— for the first time or the next time.

It’s best to check in with your doctor at least three months before conception. During your doctor’s visit, you can review your health history, as well as your family’s. In addition, your doctor may advise you to take these steps:

• Get 400 micrograms of folate daily from a folic acid supplement or multi-vitamin, or from foods such as fortified breakfast cereal. Folate can reduce the risk for birth defects.
• Make sure you’ve had all the vaccinations you need.
• Tell your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take.
• Stop smoking if you smoke. Women who smoke are at risk of having low-birth-weight babies and premature labor.
• Avoid alcohol, which can make it more difficult for some women to get pregnant.
• Lose weight if you are overweight. This can reduce the risks for birth defects, preterm delivery, and cesarean section.
• Manage any medical conditions you have, such as asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure.