There are a large number of health issues that a woman needs to take care of once she decides to get pregnant. It is for her well-being as well as for the well-being of her child. Given below is a brief description of the health issues that she should keep in mind:

Focus on Regular Intake of Folic Acid

It is advisable to take 400mg of folic acid regularly before getting pregnant and also during the early stages of pregnancy. This is important as the brain and spinal cord of the baby are in the initial developmental stages. This can also be a part of the regular vitamin intake where you are required to check whether the desired amount of folic acid is present in it. Natural folate can be obtained from the fortified breakfast cereals, as well as from the green leafy vegetables, beans and orange juice.

Pre-Pregnancy Health Checkup is Very Important

You should discuss with your healthcare provider how pregnancy can affect your body and advise you to stay healthy. He can suggest a medication review if you are on any and decide on the dates of immunizations. The sexually transmitted diseases and infections can be checked and also suggest on ways to prevent childhood diseases like chicken-pox and rubella.

Get Fit and Maintain a Healthy Weight and Diet

Regular intake of nutritious food is very important during pregnancy. High fat, sugar and caffeine must be avoided as they bar you from getting pregnant in the first place. If obesity is a problem, it’s advisable to lose weight and in this matter the BMI (body mass index) should be the decider on what should be your ideal weight. Exercising is a great way to stay fit and cope with day-to-day stress. Before and during pregnancy seek advice from professionals on exercises that are safe as well as beneficial.

Stop Active and Passive Smoking

Smoking can prevent you from getting pregnant apart from the fact that it can cause innumerable other health hazards. Smoking also causes immense damage to the unborn baby and according to studies it also slows down the development of the baby inside the womb. So come out of the habit of smoking much before you decide to get pregnant and also make a point to stay away from passive smoking.

Avoid Alcohol and Undesirable Drugs

Any variant of alcohol should be avoided. It can expose the mother to the risk of miscarriage apart from acute physical and mental issues. Street drugs can bar you from getting pregnant, cause miscarriage or pre-term delivery. Even prescription medicines must be taken after consulting with the healthcare provider.

Avoid Infection

Infections can dangerously affect the development of the fetus. So the mother needs to stay in hygienic conditions and avoid unsafe food. Fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed under running water and meat and eggs must be properly cooked. Stay away from handling soil and cat litter as they can contain parasites that result in an acute infection called Toxoplasmosis. Also ensure sexual hygiene.

Stay Away From Stress and Hazardous Substances

Stress is bad both for the mother and the baby. It can cause pre-term labour, miscarriage and low birth-weight. Pesticides, cleaning solvents all contain string chemicals and should be avoided. Also stay away from paints and also the lead that is present in old water-pipes. It is important to always wear gloves while working and cleaning in the house and ensure staying and working in a well-ventilated area.