Before Pregnancy

“I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.” Joyce Meyers

Whether you’re planning a pregnancy or not, spending time getting and staying as healthy as possible is important. Good health for your body now sets the atmosphere for a healthy pregnancy in the future.

Why should you be concerned about future pregnancies? It is because not all babies are born healthy. Sometimes babies are born too soon (preterm birth), too small (low birth weight), or with birth defects. Some of these problems can be prevented by taking extra steps to care for your body before you become pregnant.

So, you may be wondering what you can do to prepare for your future bundle of joy; here are
some suggestions:

• Make sure you get 400mcg of folic acid daily. Folic acid is a naturally occurring B vitamin that helps with a baby’s brain development.
• Do not drink alcohol or use drugs.
• Do some type of physical activity regularly.
• Eat healthy, whole foods that nourish the body. Think vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes (beans), lean meat, and plenty of water. Limit processed and other sugary, high-calorie foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight to keep such health problems as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol, and asthma at bay.
• Avoid risky sexual behavior. Abstinence from vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy.
• Visit your doctor annually for a physical.

Our Connect program assists pregnant women, caregivers and families with young children by providing a one-stop entry point for needed services – click here to find out more.