Preconception is the time before pregnancy when you body is getting ready to provide a healthy environment for a growing and developing baby. The best pregnancy is a planned pregnancy, however, not all pregnancies have the luxury of being planned in advance. Therefore, the best advice is to adopt healthy habits now so you will be in optimal health when the time comes for you to have a baby.

The optimal time to have a baby is when you are between 18 and 35 years old. Your body has completed its own growth and with proper health and dietary habits will be prepared to nurture a developing baby.

Whether this is your first attempt at becoming pregnant or your are hoping to conceive your second or subsequent baby, there is plenty you and your partner can do right now to improve your own health, and ensure a healthier environment for your baby to develop and grow. Here are some answers to the preconception-health related questions that you and your partner may have as you plan your pregnancy.

Examples of preconception Interventions:

• Reproductive health education and planning that includes prevention of unwanted or mistimed pregnancy and STIs; preparing for pregnancy mentally, socially, and physically; and birth spacing
• Promoting of healthy nutrition and physical activity starting in adolescence and continuing throughout life
• Folic Acid supplementation during reproductive years
• Prevention of smoking, alcohol use, and substance use among adolescents and women. Cessation of smoking, alcohol use, and substance use prior to pregnancy among women who use these substances.
• Screening for and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS prior to pregnancy
• Vaccination against infectious diseases associated with poor birth outcomes (e.g. Rubella) prior to pregnancy
• Management of chronic diseases including diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity, and Phenylketonuria
• Cessation of prescription medications which are teratogenic prior to pregnancy

Learn more:

Healthy Lifestyle: Plan to get pregnant when you are ready to care for a baby. Make sure your body is healthy before your get pregnant.

Folic Acid: The vitamin that helps prevent birth defects

Quit Smoking: Are you thinking on getting pregnant?If you smoke cigarettes, this is the best time to quit !

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Summit on Preconception Care Web Resources: www.cdc.gov/ncbdd/preconcep_links.htm

American Academy of Family Physicians, "Preconception Health Care": www.aafp.org/afp/20020615/2507.html

March of Dimes: www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/5194_17561.asp

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