Lifestyle Choices

Stop smoking. Studies have linked smoking with an increased risk of having a low birth weight baby or miscarriage. If you quit by the end of the first trimester, you will undo any harm done to the fetus. But it might be less stressful to kick the habit before pregnancy.

Discontinue use of harmful substances.
Drugs such as marijuana and cocaine can impair the fetus' growth. While having an occasional drink or a cup of coffee each morning has shown little effect on the fetus, excessive use of alcohol or caffeine can cause harm.

Eat a well balanced diet. To ensure you are at your healthiest once you become pregnant, begin a diet rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Each day choose foods from the four food groups: fruits and vegetables, breads, dairy products, and meat products. Maintaining a healthy diet will make it easier to add on the nutrients you'll need once you are pregnant. Some physicians recommend vitamins before you become pregnant because of research that shows folic acid prevents neural-tube defects in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Gain or lose weight, if necessary. Underweight women tend to have low birth weight babies, and overweight women are subject to have high blood pressure and diabetes. Since dieting during pregnancy would deny vital nutrients to the fetus, it is best to try to reach your ideal weight before pregnancy.

Exercise regularly. Beginning an exercise program can prepare your heart and muscles for the extra work of pregnancy. Continuing to exercise during and after pregnancy is good for your health and will make it easier to get back into shape.