In the past being healthy during pregnancy was a criteria. Now this criterion has extended in duration from 9 months to 12 months. You should start taking care of yourself 3 months prior to becoming pregnant to prepare for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

• Achieve your ideal weight at least 3 months before you conceive. Baby's health is tied to your body weight. Overweight pregnant women run the risk of high blood pressure and gestational diabetes and stand a higher chance of a C-section. Underweight women have a harder time conceiving and give birth to premature and low birth-weight babies.
  
  
• Start on your prenatal vitamins and stop taking your multivitamins. More is not better in this situation.
  
  
• Exercising in moderation before getting pregnant and continuing this right through your pregnancy will be helpful.
  
  
• If you are on medications discuss this with your doctor.
  
  
• Stop smoking. Avoid second hand smoke.
  
  
• Stop drinking alcohol and alcoholic beverages.
  
  
• Control your intake of caffeinated beverages
  
  
• Check on your immunity to rubella and chicken pox. If you need vaccinations discuss your pregnancy plans with your doctor to get the correct advice on what to do next.
  
  
• Get all necessary tests done, such as X-rays, before discontinuing with your contraceptives
  
  
• Start taking folic acid; 400mcg per day is recommended. Folic acid is crucial in preventing birth defects of the brain and spinal cord and helps control the incidence miscarriages. You need to start taking folic acid before you get pregnant because it shields you the most during the initial 28 days of your pregnancy. Since you may not know when you get pregnant you should start on folic once you stop on contraceptives.
  
  
• Check your iron levels. Iron deficiency contributes to fatigue in more than normal levels during pregnancy.
  
  
• Check your cholesterol levels. Decrease it with high-fiber diet that is also low in saturated fats. High cholesterol may lead to high blood pressure while pregnant.
  
  
• Stay healthy; keep infections at bay. Wash hands frequently, eat foods that are well prepared and avoid situations where you might be exposed to infections.
  
  
• Try to lessen unnecessary stress in your life.
  
  
• Avoid hazardous chemicals at work and home.
  
  
• Go for a dental check-up. Periodontal disease during pregnancy increases your risk of having a low birth-weight baby.
  
  
• Know your blood type and the blood type of your partner's.
  
  
• Check on your HIV status.
  
  
• Consider how pregnancy fits into your future plans. (career, travel, education)
  
  
• Check on your health insurance and maternity coverage, if working.

Some of these issues may be harder to begin during pregnancy so dealing with them before pregnancy is important. If on contraceptives, it makes sense to continue until you have achieved the above.


Possible Prepregnancy Tests

You may have to undergo a couple of tests before you become pregnant depending on you're your current health, medical situations and family history. Some tests include:

• A physical exam
  
• A pap smear
  
• Breast exam (and mammogram if you are at least 35)
  
• Rubella titers
  
• Blood type and RH-factor
  
• HIV
  
• Hepatitis (if you have been exposed to risk factors)
  
• Cystic fibrosis screening

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