Tips for a healthy and happy pregnancy

• Avoid smoking. Quitting smoking is the single most preventable cause of illness and death among mothers and infants.
• Avoid alcohol consumption. When you drink alcohol, so does your developing baby. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink while pregnant.
• Learn the ins and outs of a healthy pregnancy eating plan. Protein, Fiber, vitamins, minerals, and more are essential.
• Take 500 micro grams (mcg) of folic acid every day. Folic acid can help prevent some major birth abnormalities.
• Seek help for depression. Depression is common and treatable. If you think you have depression, seek treatment from your health care provider as soon as possible.
• Talk to your doctor about traveling. Traveling might cause problems during pregnancy, particularly air travel later in pregnancy, so discuss your options with your doctor.
• See your doctor before starting or stopping any medication. If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss your current medicines with your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist.
• Get uptodate on all your vaccines. This will help protect you and your developing baby against serious diseases.
• Try to reach a weight that is healthy for you before getting pregnant. Having obesity increases the risk for serious birth abnormalities and other pregnancy complications.
• Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding. Consider taking a class to help you prepare.