Ways to Help Keep Moms
and Their Babies Healthy
You probably know you should see a doctor when you're pregnant. But it's also a good idea to see a doctor before you try to conceive.
"We encourage couples to make appointments for preconception counseling," says Christopher Guzman, M.D., a family practice physician and obstetrician. "Doctors can assess both partners' health and help improve the odds that they conceive and have healthy pregnancies."
Try to stay as physically and mentally healthy as possible before you become pregnant.
Before conception, try to:
- Eat foods fortified with folic acid, a B vitamin, and/or take a folic acid supplement. Specialists recommend 400 micrograms daily for women planning a pregnancy. You'll need more folic acid if you've had a child with Down syndrome.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Quit smoking.
When you're pregnant, you'll want to continue these healthy habits. And avoid alcohol, illegal drugs, caffeine and cigarette smoke. These things can harm your baby.
Make an appointment with your doctor for your first prenatal visit as soon as possible. If you have a chronic condition, your doctor will monitor you closely to help prevent serious complications.
And dads, you're not off the hook. "Husbands can support their wives as they make healthy changes," Dr. Guzman says. "And men need to be physically and emotionally healthy too, so they can fulfill their roles as husbands and fathers."
