5 Simple Steps to Ensure a Healthy Pregnancy
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Take Your Supplements
Take folic acid on a regular basis three months before conception to ensure adequate levels of this nutrient, which helps with cell metabolism and prevention of birth defects. We recommend taking either a prenatal vitamin or 800mcg of folic acid for at least three months before conceiving.
Battle Obesity
Obesity leads to infertility, increased risk of miscarriage and cesarean delivery. If you are overweight now, the best thing you can do for your baby is to try and decrease your body weight to a healthier level before conceiving.
Quit Today
Alcohol, tobacco and drug use should be avoided once a woman has conceived. The risks from these substances begin right after conception, even when you do not know you are pregnant. Abstain from these substances after ovulation or at the minute you become pregnant.
Know the Truth
Myth buster: If you are on a hormonal form of contraceptive, you do not have to take a break or give time for the hormones to be "cleansed" from your body. As soon as you are on placebo pills or a week break from the patch or ring, those hormones are metabolized from your body. A woman will ovulate a week after stopping these methods—so go for it!
Dr. Yvonne Bohn, Dr. Allison Hill and Dr. Alane Park are the Mommy Docs. While they are doctors, they're also moms with six kids among them. They've welcomed more than 15,000 babies into the world. The Mommy Docs are featured in the TV series Deliver Me on the Discovery Health Channel. For more information on the Mommy Docs, visit mommydocs.com.
Are you currently taking any prepregnancy health steps? Share your story in the comments section.
Keep Reading:
What causes morning sickness? 5 pregnancy questions answered
The truth about surrogate pregnancy
Bob Greene's 4 tips for getting back in prebaby shape
Take folic acid on a regular basis three months before conception to ensure adequate levels of this nutrient, which helps with cell metabolism and prevention of birth defects. We recommend taking either a prenatal vitamin or 800mcg of folic acid for at least three months before conceiving.
Battle Obesity
Obesity leads to infertility, increased risk of miscarriage and cesarean delivery. If you are overweight now, the best thing you can do for your baby is to try and decrease your body weight to a healthier level before conceiving.
Quit Today
Alcohol, tobacco and drug use should be avoided once a woman has conceived. The risks from these substances begin right after conception, even when you do not know you are pregnant. Abstain from these substances after ovulation or at the minute you become pregnant.
Know the Truth
Myth buster: If you are on a hormonal form of contraceptive, you do not have to take a break or give time for the hormones to be "cleansed" from your body. As soon as you are on placebo pills or a week break from the patch or ring, those hormones are metabolized from your body. A woman will ovulate a week after stopping these methods—so go for it!
Dr. Yvonne Bohn, Dr. Allison Hill and Dr. Alane Park are the Mommy Docs. While they are doctors, they're also moms with six kids among them. They've welcomed more than 15,000 babies into the world. The Mommy Docs are featured in the TV series Deliver Me on the Discovery Health Channel. For more information on the Mommy Docs, visit mommydocs.com.
Are you currently taking any prepregnancy health steps? Share your story in the comments section.
Keep Reading:
What causes morning sickness? 5 pregnancy questions answered
The truth about surrogate pregnancy
Bob Greene's 4 tips for getting back in prebaby shape
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
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