It is important to take certain steps to reduce the risk  for both you and your baby before your next pregnancy.  Proper health before getting pregnant is very important. The first few weeks of a child’s development is very crucial. However most women do not know that they are pregnant until several weeks after conception. Planning ahead and taking care of  yourself is the best thing you can do before you become pregnant .

One of the most important things you need to do is to go for a preconception care. During this visit , your health care provider  asses  your overall health  and identify  potential risk factors that can complicate your pregnancy. By preparing in advance , you can become your healthiest before becoming pregnant. A preconception

care will include the following :

• Family medical history : This is to determine if your maternal or paternal family members have medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or any developmental disabilities .
• Genetic testing : This is to assess any genetic  disorders since  several genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia may be inherited .
• Personal medical history such as medical conditions that may require special care during pregnancy, previous pregnancies  and past surgeries.
• Vaccination status : It is especially important to assess your immunity towards rubella ( German measles ). This is because  contracting this disease during pregnancy can result in a miscarriage or birth defects. If a woman is not immune, this vaccine will be given 1 month before pregnancy  to provide immunity.
• Infection screening  : This is to determine if the woman has any sexually transmitted infection or urinary tract infection that could be harmful to baby and fetus.

Other steps that you need to take to reduce your risk  of pregnancy complication include the following :

• Stop smoking
• Eat healthy
• Maintain healthy weight
• Exercise  regularly
• Medical management of preexisting conditions
• Preventing  birth defects by  taking 400 micrograms (0.4 mg) of folic acid each day, a nutrient found in some green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, and some vitamin supplements. Folic acid can help reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (also called neural tube defects).
• Take prenatal vitamins daily
• Avoid alcohol and street drugs
• Avoid  exposure to harmful substances such as lead and pesticides .
• Reduce your risk of infection by practicing  good personal hygiene. During pregnancy you should avoid eating undercooked and raw foods and  avoid all contact with cat litter.