Pregnancy is a wondrous and miraculous experience. If you're thinking about having a baby now or in the future, there are things you can do before you conceive to help your baby be born healthy, as well as after birth.

Before getting pregnant
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If you're trying to become pregnant -- or if you could become pregnant unexpectedly -- it pays to THINK AHEAD and follow these steps.

• Take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before and during pregnancy.
• Have a medical checkup before conceiving so your health care provider can evaluate your health and identify any health risks.
• If you're not immune to measles and rubella, check with your health care provider about getting vaccinated before you conceive.
• Now it's time to achieve your ideal weight. Being over- or underweight may cause problems during pregnancy.
• Know your family history. If you've had problem pregnancies or birth defects in your family, you should talk to your health care provider and/or a genetic counselor when appropriate.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle, get plenty of exercise, don't drink, smoke or use drugs. Ask your health care provider if the prescription or over-the-counter drugs you use are safe to take during pregnancy and in the pre-pregnancy period.
• Have medical problems like diabetes, epilepsy and high blood pressure treated and under control before you get pregnant.
• Eat a nutritious and balanced diet.
• Avoid exposure to toxic substances and chemicals -- such as cleaning solvents, lead and mercury, some insecticides, paint thinners and removers, etc. -- at home and where you work.
• Don't eat undercooked meat or handle cat litter. They can cause toxoplasmosis, which can seriously harm a developing fetus.

Fat intake tied to vomiting disorder in pregnancy (10/26)
Women whose diets are relatively high in saturated fat prior to pregnancy run an increased risk of hyperemesis gravidarum -- severe nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy, the results of a US study suggest.

Pregnant asthmatics at risk for complications (10/19)

Preconception planning - Take a pregnant pause (11/2) Planning for the birth of a baby may include getting a crib and car seat, plus new wallpaper for the nursery. But even before you become pregnant, there are some important things to consider. Read our preconception planner (Mayo O@sis). Pregnancy Today For expectant parents offering Q&A, birth planner, boards, birth stories, news articles... Olen Interactive Pregnancy Calendar Pregnancy Reading Room: A nice introduction to all aspects of pregnancy.