Pregnancy Preparation

When it comes to your health, nothing is more important than knowledge and understanding. The following Health Break from the University of Tennessee Medical Center contains information that can help you and your family live longer, healthier lives.

Thinking about having a baby? The key to preparing your body for a pregnancy is living a healthy lifestyle. You can take the first step by evaluating your daily habits and taking some time to make all the necessary changes. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid stress. Quit smoking and alcohol consumption, as both have been proven to have damaging effects on unborn babies. Most doctors recommend taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements at least two months ahead of the conception. Finally, take steps to stabilize any potentially harmful medical conditions before you become pregnant.

To learn more about preparing for pregnancy consult your physician or visit Pregnancy and Childbirth Resources.