Preparing for Baby: Steps to Help Ensure a Healthy Baby

Use this preconception checklist to ensure you are taking steps to help ensure a healthy baby. Preparing your body for pregnancy will help ensure a nourishing pregnancy and healthy baby while lowering your risk of complications during this enjoyable time in your life.

    1. Find a physician. If you don’t have one, call us or visit 

        our website to find a doctor who can help you prepare 

        for pregnancy.

    2. Get a complete physical exam, including everything from

        a blood pressure check to a Pap smear and up-to-date 

        immunizations. Also, speak with your physician about 

        receiving a variety of tests, such as blood sugar, thyroid 

        function, genetic testing, and parasitic and viral 

        disease checks.

    3. Begin taking prenatal vitamins six months before 

        attempting to become pregnant.

    4. Assess your current eating habits. Begin cutting back on 

        sweets, fat, and caffeine and increase your fruit, vegetable, 

        and calcium-rich food consumption.

    5. Boost your fluid intake by drinking a minimum of eight 

        glasses of water, juice, and/or milk each day.

    6. Speak with your physician about maintaining an existing 

        exercise regimen or starting a new one.