Women's Wellness

Mother and Child

PLANNING FOR PREGNANCY: Before your baby is born

Your health and lifestyle decisions affect the development of your baby. Here are some tips to help keep you and your baby healthy throughout your pregnancy:

• Keep your prenatal appointments.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, iron and "B" vitamins.
• Take a multivitamin with folic acid (This has been proven to prevent certain birth defects).
• Get plenty of rest.
• Quit smoking.
• Stop drinking alcohol.
• Don't take drugs, including over-the-counter medications, unless they are prescribed or approved by your doctor.
• Refrain from cleaning a cat's litter box as it contains germs that can cause birth defects.