Nine months of a healthy pregnancy is the best gift you can give your future baby. However even before becoming pregnant, you want to give your baby a better chance for a healthy and full-term birth. In order to do this, you need to be healthy before you're pregnant. Plan on making an appointment to speak with your doctor or a nurse before and during pregnancy.  When you plan on getting pregnant, visit the March of Dimes.

Questions to ask your doctor or nurse before you get pregnant
What do I need to know about:

• diabetes, high blood pressure, infections or other health problems
• medicines or home remedies
• taking a multivitamin pill with folic acid in it each day
• getting to a healthy weight before pregnancy
• smoking, drinking alcohol and taking illegal drugs
• unsafe chemicals or other things I should stay away from at home or work
• taking care of myself and lowering my stress]
• how long to wait between pregnancies
• my family history, including premature birth

5 steps to get ready for a healthy pregnancy

• Take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day for at least 3 months before getting pregnant to help prevent birth defects
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
• If you have a medical condition, be sure it's under control. Some conditions include asthma, diabetes, oral health, obesity, or epilepsy. Also be sure your vaccinations are up to date.
• Talk to a health care professional about any over-the-counter and prescription medicines you are taking. These include dietary or herbal supplements.
• Avoid contact with toxic substances or materials that could cause infection at work and at home. Stay away from chemicals and cat or rodent feces.

Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the care you get while you are pregnant. All pregnant women need prenatal care.