Healthy Pregnancy

"Learn what you can do before and during pregnancy to improve your chances of having a healthy baby.

What steps can I take to have the healthiest pregnancy possible?

• Be sure to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
  • Folic acid is important because it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. These birth defects develop very early during pregnancy when the neural tube—which forms the early brain and spinal cord—does not close properly. Start taking folic acid at least one month before becoming pregnant and continue during pregnancy.
• Book a visit with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medicine.
  • Many women need to take medicine to treat a health condition during pregnancy. If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss your current medicines with a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or pharmacist. Creating a treatment plan for your health condition before you are pregnant can help keep you and your developing baby healthy.
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  Become up-to-date with all vaccinations, including the flu shot.
  • Vaccines help protect you and your developing baby against serious diseases. Get a flu shot and whooping cough vaccination (called Tdap) during eachpregnancy to help protect yourself and your baby.
  • Flu: You can get the flu shot before or during each pregnancy.
  • Whooping Cough: You can get the whooping cough vaccine in the last three months of each pregnancy..."
    Pregnancy