Getting healthy before pregnancy

12 things to do before becoming pregnant to have a healthy baby

• Go to a preconception checkup with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to have a baby 
• Check to see if your vaccinations are up to date in order to have immunity against illnesses and prevent birth defects
• Go to your dentist for regular check ups before and during pregnancy. If you have gum disease, you will need treatment in order to prevent health problems for both you and your baby.
• Take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid daily in order to prevent birth defects and further complications.
• Eat healthy foods and get to a healthy weight to avoid health problems in you and your baby
• Don't smoke, drink alcohol, use street drugs or take prescription drugs that aren't prescribed to you and stay away from second hand smoking
• Learn about your family history and what health conditions that you need to talk to your doctor about and the risk you have 
• Keep away from toxoplasmosis by not eating uncooked meat or changing your cat's litter box
• Stay away from harmful chemicals like paint thinner. Some toxic chemicals can increase your risk of having birth defects
• Get help if you are being abused by your partner. Abuse often gets worse during pregnancy
• Reduce the stress amount in your life because too much stress can cause problems during pregnancy