Most prenatal vitamins have the recommended levels of vitamins and folic acid. Check with your physician. Avoid exposure to alcohol and drugs during pregnancy. Exposure to high levels of some types of radiation and some chemical and toxic substances may adversely affect the developing fetus. In addition, pregnant women should avoid all contact and exposure to cat feces and cat litter, which may contain a parasite toxoplasma gondii that causes toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasmosis can cause a serious illness in, or death of, the fetus.
A pregnant woman can reduce her risk of infection by avoiding all potential sources of the infection. A blood test before or during pregnancy can determine if a woman has been exposed to the toxoplasma gondii parasite. Begin taking a prenatal vitamin daily, prescribed by your physician, to make certain that your body gets all the necessary nutrients and vitamins needed to nourish a healthy baby. Women who are abused before pregnancy may be at risk for increased abuse during pregnancy. Your physician can help you find community, social, and legal resources to help you deal with domestic violence.