Preconception and Prenatal Care

Before you get pregnant and during your pregnancy, you may have contact with chemicals at work, at home, or in your community. A few chemicals are known to have harmful effects on a fetus. These include lead, mercury, and certain pesticides. Some substances found in the home or the workplace may make it harder for you to get pregnant.

Find out from your employer whether you might be exposed at work to toxic substances such as lead or mercury, pesticides or solvents, or radiation. Radiation, a form of energy sent out in invisible waves, is used in specific medical and industrial jobs.

Try to do 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week and muscle-strengthening activities two days or more a week. You can divide the recommended number of minutes into shorter workout sessions throughout the week. For example, you can do a 30-minute workout five days per week. Set up a routine that works best for you.

A prepregnancy care checkup is the first step in planning a healthy pregnancy. This checkup aims to find things that could affect your pregnancy. Identifying these things is essential because the first eight weeks of pregnancy are when major organs develop in a fetus.

If you think you or your partner may have an STI, get tested and treated. Your partner also may need to be treated. Neither of you should have sex until you have both finished treatment.

Will I be asked about intimate partner violence?  Your provider may ask about your relationship during your prepregnancy care visit. You may not think of your home environment as harmful, but it can be detrimental for you and your children if you are dealing with intimate partner violence (also known as domestic violence).

How can I get help if I’m in an abusive relationship?

• We can help you find resources in your state that offer aid.
• You also can call the toll-free, 24-hour National Domestic Violence hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) and 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

The months before you get pregnant are the best time to take steps to be healthier. These steps may include:

• Eating a healthy diet and taking a prenatal vitamin
• Getting regular exercise
• Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight
• Stopping unhealthy substances (tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs taken for nonmedical reasons)
• Keeping your environment safe

Certain infections during pregnancy can cause birth defects or pregnancy complications. Many infections can be prevented with vaccination. It’s best to get all of the vaccines recommended for your age before you try to get pregnant because some cannot be given during pregnancy.

Two essential vaccines for pregnant women are the influenza (flu) vaccine and the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. The flu shot and the Tdap shot are safe during pregnancy.

Yes, you should take a daily prenatal vitamin before pregnancy and continue taking it after getting pregnant. Prenatal vitamins contain all of the recommended daily vitamins and minerals you will need before and during pregnancy, including folic acid and iron. Prenatal vitamins may also help reduce nausea and vomiting if you start taking them before getting pregnant.