Q: I’m thinking about getting pregnant… What should I do to prepare my body?

NurseCoco: Taking good care of your body both before and during a pregnancy is important. Here’s a few tips to get yourself ready:

·               Get vaccinated! Most women of childbearing-age (20s-40s) are due for their tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) booster. Most of us were vaccinated against this as we were kids (and also diptheria), but we are due for a booster. Whooping cough is no fun for adults, but it can be deadly for babies, so we are trying to get people in this age group re-vaccinated for it so that babies aren’t exposed. If you’re 26 or under, you should complete the Gardasil vaccination series (3 injections over 6 months) to protect yourself against HPV. Though we don’t regularly test for it until you’re actually pregnant, your healthcare provider will do a blood test to make sure you’re immune to Rubella.

·               Folic acid- women should be taking a minimum of 400 micrograms (mcg) daily, aim for 800-1000 mcg. This is a key ingredient in prenatal vitamins. It’s so important to fetal brain and spine growth that folic acid is fortified in many grains and cereals. Healthy growth of brain and spine is an essential start to a healthy pregnancy, and your baby needs a good reserve of folic acid at the time of conception  (before you even know you’re pregnant!)

·               Watch your fish intake.  Fish is a great lean protein that contains important fatty acids to our diet, but too much or improper preparation can cause problems. High mercury levels in the blood are not healthy for a pregnancy. Avoid high-mercury fish (ie swordfish, tuna, shark). If you’re a big fish eater, you can ask your healthcare provider to check your blood mercury levels. The issue with raw fish is that uncooked seafood carries the risk of disease. I tell women when they’re pregnant that if they’re craving sushi, go to the best sushi restaurant you can, and don’t eat it every day.

·               Keep it clean. We all know it- avoid smoking and drugs, and cut down on the cocktails, when trying to get pregnant. You have some leeway in the first few weeks before you know you’re pregnant and before there is blood passing from mom to baby, but obviously less is better and there’s no clear “safe” amount. But don’t beat yourself up about the margaritas or glasses of wine you had before you knew you were pregnant! Most likely if you quit once you get the (+) pregnancy test, all will be okay but be sure to get adequate prenatal care (you should see a healthcare provider on a regular basis starting at 8 weeks pregnancy until after you deliver).

When in doubt, it's best to make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your unique situation. Also be sure to ask about any medical conditions you may have and regarding any medications you might be taking. Good luck!