Health Topics for Pregnancy and Childbirth

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Department of Pediatrics

UI Family Care Center

Iowa Registry for Congenital and Inherited Disorders

Pregnancy planning

Are you thinking about having a baby? It is important to prepare yourself for pregnancy before you try to conceive. If you are using birth control, ask your healthcare provider when to stop using it. Doctors recommend that birth control pills be stopped 2 to 3 months before you would like to become pregnant. This will give your body time to get back to its regular cycle. Use condoms and a spermicide during that time. Your baby has a better chance of being healthy if you are healthy too.

Before you become pregnant, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to talk about your pregnancy plans. Your provider will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and past pregnancies. The answers to these questions will help identify any risks or problems you may have. Before you get pregnant, consider the following:

• Is it time for a Pap smear? Be sure to get a complete physical with a Pap smear and breast exam before getting pregnant. Find out if you need any immunizations like rubella, measles, or mumps. Your provider can look at your past medical history records or test for immunity. You may need shots against these diseases before you try to get pregnant. Be sure to avoid getting pregnant for at least 3 months after you get the shots.
• Are you the weight you want to be? If you want to gain or lose weight, do it now before getting pregnant. Start your pregnancy at an average weight for your height. Women tend to gain 25 to 35 pounds with pregnancy.
• Are you following a healthy diet? Make sure you are following a healthy diet before pregnancy puts more demands on your body. Follow a healthy diet before you get pregnant so that you and your baby start with the nutrients you need.
• Are you doing exercise you enjoy? Most women who exercise before pregnancy can continue to do so until the baby is born. Discuss exercise with your provider to determine what is best for you and your baby.
• Do you smoke? Drink alcohol? Use any drugs or medication? Smoking during pregnancy can slow your baby's growth. It can also cause the birth to occur too early. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can harm your baby's brain. If you take a prescription medication, talk to your provider about your plans to become pregnant. Your medication may need to be changed.
• Are you worried about birth defects? A vitamin called folic acid can lower the risk of spinal cord defects. Before you get pregnant, take a multi-vitamin supplement with 4 milligrams of folic acid daily. Ask your provider about pre-natal vitamins and mineral supplement with iron.
• Have children with birth defects been born to members of your family? If so, you and your partner can talk with a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor will ask about your family's medical history. The counselor can give you a better idea if your baby might be at risk.

Remember, there is time between when you become pregnant and when you know you are pregnant. For this reason, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That way you can find comfort in knowing that you are providing the healthiest environment possible for your baby no matter when he or she is conceived. Take care of yourself, and have a healthy baby!

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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