Lifestyle Changes to Make Before You Become Pregnant
It is very important to have a healthy lifestyle when you are thinking about becoming pregnant and when you are pregnant. Here are some things you can do to improve your overall health:
- Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and calcium-rich foods. Choose foods low in saturated fat.
- Unless your health care provider tells you not to, try to be physically active for 30 minutes, most days of the week. If you are pressed for time, you can get your activity in through 10-minute segments, three times a day.
- If you have a cat, do not handle the cat litter. It can carry toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can cause birth defects. Wear gloves while gardening in areas where cats may visit.
- Don't eat uncooked or undercooked meats or fish.
- If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs, STOP. These can cause long-term damage to your baby. Talk with your health care provider about steps to take to stop smoking. Talk with a member of your faith community, a counselor, a trusted friend, or your health care provider if you are concerned about your alcohol or drug use.
- Stay away from such toxic chemicals as insecticides, solvents (some cleaners or paint thinners), lead, and mercury. Most dangerous household products will have pregnancy warnings on their labels.
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and x-rays.
- Limit or eliminate your caffeine intake from coffee, tea, sodas, medications, and chocolate.
- Become informed. Read books, watch videos, go to a childbirth class, and talk with experienced moms.
Last Updated June 2003
The (US) National Women’s Health Information Center
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