Health Tip: Get Healthy Before Pregnancy

Planning to become pregnant? Now is the time to get your body in shape and ready for baby.

The womenshealth.gov website offers this pre-conception advice:

• Take a folic acid supplement every day to help lower the risk of having a baby with birth defects.
• Avoid alcohol, and quit smoking.
• Maintain good control of any chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, asthma or epilepsy.
• Get all recommended vaccinations.
• Check with your doctor about the safety of your medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.
• Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals or substances.