Women who have delivered a child with a neural tube defect and women who take certain medications may need to supplement their diets with more folic acid. Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including past pregnancies, and your lifestyle. Take advantage of this time to ask your questions and have your concerns addressed. You and your doctor can work together to ensure that your next pregnancy is as healthy as possible. If you have a chronic disease like diabetes or high blood pressure, you can expect an assessment of your present condition.
Chronic diseases can take their toll on mother and baby.
Therefore, optimum control of the condition before conception is desirable. Control of chronic diseases often depends on lifestyle changes. But even if you don't have a chronic disease, living healthy before you get pregnant is important. Eating healthy and exercising according to your doctor's recommendation can help you reach a healthy weight before pregnancy and gain the appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking and use of illicit drugs before conception and during pregnancy.