Preconception Health: A Precious Gift to Babies

Some of the most important things you can do to help protect the health of your future baby should happen before you get pregnant. Women who take steps to get healthy before pregnancy are less likely to have babies that are born premature or have low birthweight. They are also less likely to have birth defects or other disabling conditions.

During a free health lecture held in Erie, Colo., BCH obstetrician/gynecologist Alana Revoal, DO, FACOOG, and BCH nurse midwife Paige Swales, CNM, described a number of important steps you can take to boost your preconception health and give your baby the best gift of all — the best chance for a healthy start in life.

1. Start taking folic acid.

If a woman has enough folic acid in her body at least one month before and during pregnancy, it can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. Women need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. You can get folic acid by:

• Taking vitamins that have folic acid. Vitamins sold at most local pharmacies and grocery stores have 100 percent of the daily value of folic acid (400 mcg).
• Through the foods you eat. You can find folic acid in some breads, pastas and cereals. Also, folate is found naturally in foods such as leafy green vegetables, oranges and beans.
• Getting a combination of the two. Take a vitamin that has folic acid in it, and eat folic-rich foods.

2. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

Smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol or using street drugs can cause many problems, including pregnancy loss, premature birth, birth defects and infant death.

If you’re trying to get pregnant and cannot stop smoking tobacco, drinking or using drugs, get help! Contact your health care provider or a local treatment center.

3. Keep medical conditions under control.

Medical conditions that can affect pregnancy include:

• Asthma
• Cardiac issues (e.g., hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Oral health conditions
• Obesity
• Seizure disorders
• Mental health disorders

If you currently have any of the above medical conditions, make sure they are under control and being treated.

4. Avoid toxic substances or environmental contaminants.

Avoid toxic substances or environmental contaminants such as household cleaners, pesticides, cat feces and radiation exposure.

These toxins can have an impact on the reproductive systems of both men and women, and can make it more difficult to get pregnant. Also, exposure to even small amounts of toxic materials during pregnancy can pose risks to a baby.

5. Review your medical history with your provider.

Before getting pregnant, talk to your provider about preconception health. Your provider will want to discuss:

• Medications you’re currently taking.
• Vaccinations you might need.
• Medical conditions you currently have that could affect a pregnancy.
• Health conditions that run in your family or your partner's family.

Based on your family or partner’s history, your provider might refer you for genetic counseling to learn about the chance your baby will have a genetic condition.

6. Reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Women who are overweight or obese before becoming pregnant have a higher risk for complications during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, stillbirth and cesarean delivery. If you are overweight or obese, talk with your provider about ways to lose weight before pregnancy.

To make an appointment with BCH obstetrician/gynecologist Alana Revoal, DO, FACOOG, call 303-441-0587. Or, to make an appointment with BCH nurse midwife Paige Swales, CNM, call 303-415-4045.

View PowerPoint slides from the lecture on “Getting Ready for a Safe Pregnancy.”

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