If you are overweight or under weight, try to reach a healthy weight before becoming pregnant. Work on your nutrition, concentrating on lots of fruits and vegetables, and make sure you consume 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day. You can get this from dairy products, calcium-fortified juices and cereals and Tums. It's essential to get one milligram of folic acid every day to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida, she said. Green, leafy vegetables contain folic acid, or you can begin taking prenatal vitamins before you get pregnant.
Exercise is also very important.
If you have been active, continue to be active. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan if you are just beginning. Planning a pregnancy carefully will increase your chances of getting the healthy baby you want, Dr. Carnsew said, and keeping your own health in the bargain. Healthwise and Healthwise Knowledgebase are trademarks and service marks of Healthwise, Incorporated. The mark Healthwise is registered in the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office.