Getting ready for pregnancy

What it is

The first 8 weeks of pregnancy are when the major organs form, often before someone even knows they're pregnant. That's why the months before are the best time to prepare.¹ A prepregnancy checkup with an OB-GYN or other clinician is the place to start.¹

Vitamins

Folic acid. Take a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of every day, starting at least a month before trying and through the first 12 weeks. It helps prevent neural tube defects, birth defects of the brain and spine. Some people, such as those who had a previous baby with one, need a much higher dose, so ask.¹
Iron. Pregnancy needs more iron, 27 mg a day instead of 18, to make extra blood. Most contain it.¹
A prenatal vitamin started before pregnancy may also ease nausea later.¹

The checkup

Expect to talk about:¹

Medicines, vitamins and herbal remedies. Bring them all. Some aren't safe in pregnancy. Don't stop a prescription without talking to a clinician first, since the benefit can outweigh the risk.
Health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, seizure disorders or eating disorders, which may need to be better controlled first.
Vaccines. Some can't be given during pregnancy, so get up to date before. The flu shot and Tdap are recommended and safe during pregnancy.
Past pregnancies, since problems like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes can come back.
STIs and HIV. All women should be tested for HIV.

Habits that help

Stop tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and other drugs. They can cause birth defects, low birth weight, preterm birth and stillbirth.¹ A male partner should stop too, since they can damage sperm, and no one should smoke around someone who is pregnant.¹
Move. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, plus muscle strengthening twice a week.¹
Weight. Being very underweight or overweight can raise the risk of problems in pregnancy, so it's worth discussing.¹
Check your surroundings. Lead, mercury and some pesticides can harm a pregnancy. Ask whether your work involves them.¹

Questions to ask

Are any of my medicines a problem in pregnancy?
Which vaccines do I need before trying?
How much should I take?

Recap

Take a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid from at least a month before trying.
The major organs form in the first 8 weeks, so the months before pregnancy matter.
A prepregnancy checkup reviews medicines, vaccines, health conditions and past pregnancies. Don't stop a prescription without asking.
Stopping tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and other drugs before pregnancy helps. A male partner should stop too.

Words to know 4

folic acid	A B vitamin that helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.
neural tube defects (NTDs)	Birth defects of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida.
prenatal vitamin	A daily vitamin made for before and during pregnancy, with folic acid and iron.
prepregnancy checkup	A visit before trying to get pregnant to find and address anything that could affect a pregnancy.