Before Your Baby is Born > Idaho Department of Health and Welfare


	View Article Current Articles \| Archives \| Search Back Before Your Baby is Born posted on March 02, 2009 11:18 Idaho CareLine: In Idaho, Dial 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588 Before Your Baby is Born Taking care of a baby's health begins before he or she is born. In addition to eating right, exercising and getting plenty of rest, there are things you can do to have a healthy pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (DBDD) recommends five things you can do before getting pregnant to reduce your risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Follow these guidelines if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs, STOP! These substances can threaten the health of your baby, and your own health, too. Start taking 0.4 mg (400 mcg.) of folic acid every day now, because it takes some time for your body to build up proper stores of this important B-vitamin. It is important to take it before conception and early in pregnancy, since problems occur in the first month of pregnancy before most women realize they're pregnant. See your health care provider for a check-up, and make sure you've had all your immunizations, especially for rubella (German measles). If you're taking a prescribed medication, be sure your health care provider and pharmacist know that you're planning to become pregnant. Stay away from toxic chemicals at home and at work, including insecticides, solvents (like some cleaners or paint thinners), lead, and mercury. Read the labels before using chemicals, and don't be afraid to ask your health care provider if you have questions. If you have a cat, don't handle the cat litter — it can carry "toxoplasmosis" which can cause birth defects. If possible, take a break from this chore while you're pregnant! Also, wear gloves while gardening in areas cats may visit. Additional Resources Why Folic Acid is So Important! Pregnancy and Exercise: What You Can Do for a Healthy Pregnancy E-mail this article

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Before Your Baby is Born