Health Tips
Tips for Healthy Pregnancy
It is important to establish healthy habits even before you conceive. Many lifestyle and health issues have an impact prior to conception, as well as later in pregnancy. The health habits of both parents can have an effect on the health of the pregnancy and the baby. We suggest the following habits to maximize your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby:
- Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid (at least 0.4 milligrams or 400 micrograms) every day.
- Do not take supplemental Vitamin A (retinol or retinoic acid). However, beta-carotene (found in carrots, squash, and other vegetables) is healthy.
- Do not take large doses of any vitamin or mineral. Especially avoid large doses of Vitamin D, copper, zinc, selenium, etc. Doses up to 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance are OK.
- Maintain adequate calcium intake from food (4 servings per day of dairy) and/or supplements (at least 1200 milligrams per day).
- Avoid tilefish, swordfish, king mackerel, and shark. Limit intake of other fish (such as tuna) to 12 ounces per week or less.
- Avoid eating liver.
- Eat plenty of fruits (2-4 servings per day) and vegetables (3-5 servings per day).
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Minimize alcohol intake.
- Limit caffeine to no more than 2 cups of coffee or 4 cans of soda per day.
- If you might be pregnant, check with your doctor, midwife, provider, or pharmacist before taking any medications or herbs.
- For questions about drugs, chemicals, illnesses, or exposures early in pregnancy, call the Pregnancy Risk Line: (801) 328-2229, or 1-800-822-2229.
- Maintain healthy exercise.
- Get a dental check up to reduce or eliminate gum disease.
