If a woman has had two or more miscarriages, her provider can sometimes identify the cause and provide treatment that can lead to a successful pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy evaluation of women with preterm labor history also may reveal a treatable problem. Modifying certain behaviors prior to conception can improve the pregnancy outcome. A woman who drinks heavily risks having a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome, a pattern of mental and physical defects. It s best to avoid drinking completely prior to conception and throughout pregnancy.
Smoking doubles the risk of ectopic pregnancy, and of having a low-birthweight baby.
Cocaine use in early pregnancy appears to increase the risk of certain birth defects and miscarriage. Women who continue drug use have up to six times the normal risk of having a low-birthweight baby. A woman attempting to conceive should avoid hot tubs and saunas, as elevated body temperatures in early pregnancy may increase the risk of NTDs. Pre-pregnancy lifestyle changes are the most beneficial for the baby. But many pregnancies are unplanned.