Having a healthy baby begins even before you get pregnant. That new life growing inside you will depend on you to make good choices about your health.

Steps you can take :

Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegtables grains, and calcium-rich foods. Get proper rest and do not overdo it!

Be sure to get at least 4mg (400 mcg or micrograms) of folic acid every day to reduce the risk of birth defects. Do so also when you are trying to get pregnant. Folic acid is in leafy green vetegables, kidney beans, orange juice, whole grain products and other foods, and in most multivitamins.

Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs when you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. These can cause long-term damage to your baby.

Be physically active every day, but only at the pace recommended by your health care provider.

Limit or eliminate your caffeine intake from coffee, tea, sodas, medications, and chocolate.

Stay away from toxic chemicals like insecticides, cleaning or paint thinning solvents, lead, and mercury.

Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and x-rays.

Don’t handle or eat uncooked meats or fish.

Do not handle cat litter it can carry a parasitic infection that can cause birth defects.