Preparing for a baby should begin even before pregnancy

Women who wish to become mothers should ideally prepare even before conception takes place.

Good eating habits, vitamin supplementation and a general health evaluation add up to ideal conditions for a baby, says Dr. Lisa Halvorson, an obstetrician/gynecologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

“It’s easy to avoid some potential complications for both mother and baby,” Dr. Halvorson says.

She recommends the following steps for the prospective mother:

• See your physician for a general physical exam, including a Pap smear;
• Have your doctor review all your medications for potential danger to the fetus;
• Get tested for diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and thyroid disorders;
• If you’re not already immune, get vaccinated against rubella (German measles);
• Begin daily supplements of at least 400 micrograms of folic acid;
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol;
• With your health care provider’s help, set an appropriate exercise plan; and
• Avoid rat, mouse or cat feces, and dangerous chemicals at home and work.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/obgyn to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in gynecology and obstetrics.

Media Contact: Aline McKenzie