Healthy moms have healthy babies. If you plan to become pregnant, the following steps to be sure your baby gets off to a good start.

• Have a complete medical exam, including a gynecological exam. A number of medical
  conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases (STD's), HIV/AIDS, smoking, alcohol use, nutritional deficiencies, and Rh negative blood factor (after the first pregnancy) can jeopardize the health of mother and child.
  
• Check with your doctor about the effects of any prescription or over-the-counter medication you take. Ask your doctor about taking vitamins (especially folic acid) and mineral supplements when planning a pregnancy.
  
• If you have a chronic medical condition, ask your doctor how it may affect your pregnancy and whether or not you should change or adjust your medication.
  
• If you use an IUD or take birth control pills, you should change your birth control method for three months before trying to become pregnant.
  
• If you're markedly overweight, plan to lose excess pounds before becoming pregnant.
  
• Exercise regularly.
  
• Consider genetic tests or counseling if you or your husband has a family history of genetic disorders, if you are 35 or older, or if your husband is 60 or older.

You and your baby will do best if you follow these guidelines.

• Ask your doctor or a dietitian to outline a meal plan that meet the special nutritional needs created by pregnancy.
  
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs, as they can harm you and your unborn baby.
  
• Consult your doctor before taking any medication.
  
• Ask your doctor what prenatal vitamin/mineral supplements you should take.
  
• Follow your health care provider's advice about weight gain. The recommended weight gain for the woman of average weight is between 25 to 35 pounds. A small boned, petite woman will probably be the the lower end of the scale and a larger, big boned woman will be on the high end.
  
• Continue to exercise in moderation (see Tip 229).
  
• Practice relaxation and other stress control techniques. (Doctors think emotional stress may constrict the blood supply to the uterus and placenta, the baby's sole source of oxygen and nutrients.)
  
• Enroll in childbirth preparation classes.
  
• If you own a cat, arrange for someone else to empty the litter box. Cat excrement can transmit a disease called toxoplasmosis If you're infected while pregnant, your baby may be stillborn, born prematurely, or suffer serious damage to the brain, eyes, or other parts of the body.