Healthy Pregnancy Checklist

Have a healthy pregnancy with these tips

Prenatal care is vital and starts even before you get pregnant. If you can, see your personal doctor before trying to conceive. If you’re already pregnant, consult your doctor right away for recommendations.

Here’s a checklist to guide you through a healthy pregnancy.

Pre-pregnancy

• Consult your personal doctor prior to pregnancy to get any recommendations on medications, vaccinations, lifestyle changes and dietary restrictions.
• Stop using any alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or street drugs.
• Take prenatal vitamins containing at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily – folic acid can reduce the risk of birth defects.
• Stay active and eat a well-balanced diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight – if you’re overweight or underweight, try to get to a healthier weight.

During pregnancy

• Stop/do not start using any alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or street drugs.
• Continue taking prenatal vitamins containing at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily.
• Avoid toxic substances and environmental contaminants such as synthetic chemicals, metals, fertilizer, bug spray and cat or rodent feces.
• Make your initial visit with a doctor or midwife within the first 8 – 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• Make and keep all appointments with doctors for office visits and recommended testing.
• Maintain a healthy weight throughout your pregnancy. Most women should gain about 25 to 30 pounds, but discuss how much weight you should gain with your doctor.
• Be physically active, this can help you with weight gain, improve your sleep and increase your energy. Discuss with your doctor what kinds of activities are right for you.
• Eat nutritious meals – the food you eat can affect the health of your baby.
• Check with your doctor before starting any new medications or taking any over-the-counter medications or supplements.
• Learn about your family history and share it with your doctor—certain medical conditions can be passed from one generation to another.
• Check with your doctor before traveling and have a travel plan in place.
• Take childbirth and breastfeeding classes as needed.

For more information about having a healthy pregnancy, visit www.cdc.gov/pregnancy