Are you planning on having a baby anytime soon. Babies are sensitive to harm around  2 to 8 weeks of conception. You may not even know you are pregnant at this time. That is why is it important to act as if you are pregnant even before you actually are.

Think about these before your get pregnant

Should i  see my doctor ?: It is crucial to discuss your plans of trying to have a baby with your doctor. Visit your doctor within a year of trying to get pregnant.  Discuss about your diet, life habits, medical history and anything that concerns you. It is important for the father to have a physical as well.

What should i eat  ? :This is the time to avoid junk food and eat foods that are  healthy for your unborn child. Your food should contain enough calcium,  folic acid, protein  and iron. Women who don’t have enough folic acid are more likely to have babies with neural tube defects. You may also need to change  your diet if you follow a vegetarian or  weight loss diet. You need to discuss with your doctor before you take any supplements. Some supplements may be harmful in high doses.

Is my weight ok ? : Being overweight increases your risk  for complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy.  You may also encounter prolonged labor and pregnancy may not be as comfortable. Being under weight may also have an effect on your pregnancy. Discus the right weight for pregnancy with your doctor.

Can i still exercise ? : Exercise during pregnancy is good. It makes both pregnancy and labor easier. However, you cannot over exercise. Too much exercise can be dangerous during pregnancy. If you haven’t already started exercising, you need to start now. Once you get pregnant, you need  light exercises such as walking. Talk to your doctor to find out which exercises are good during pregnancy.

Should i change my lifestyle habits : There are some lifestyle habits you should absolutely avoid during pregnancy. These include the following :

• smoking : smoking increases your risk for a miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight. Smoking has also been  linked to sudden infants death syndrome SIDS.
• alcohol : alcohol during pregnancy may put your baby at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome FAS. FAS leads to problems such as mental problems, slow growth and facial defects.
• illegal drugs : Taking illegal drugs such as cocaine increases your risk for a miscarriage, premature birth and birth defects. Some of the drugs may make the the baby addicted and cause withdrawal symptoms.

Is  my home and working environment harmful for my baby ? : There are certain materials a pregnant woman should avoid during pregnancy. These include heavy metals like copper, lead and mercury, radiation, acids,  carbon disulfide and anesthetic  gases. Talk to  your doctor about your workplace and home environment to find out if there are any things around that may harm your unborn child.  If your work place is harmful, you may need special clothing and equipment to protect your baby. You may also be given a short term transfer before and during pregnancy.

Can i still take my medications : Both over the counter and prescription medications can have an effect on your unborn child. Ask your doctor before taking any medications  during pregnancy.

What if i have preexisting conditions : You may need extra care during pregnancy  if you have health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It is a good idea to treat these conditions or have them under control before pregnancy.

Do i need any tests : You may need to do some tests to find out if you have any conditions that may harm your unborn child. You may need to test for some medical conditions such as rubella, anemia, hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases STDs such as HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, chlamaydia and syphillis.

Is my baby at risk for genetic problems : If a disease runs in the family, your baby is likely to have it. Cystic fibrosis and anemia are some conditions  that can be inherited. Talk to your doctor about risk factors and screening tests.