A Three-Month 
Training 
Program 
Before 
Pregnancy

Call 1-800-6SOMEDAY 
            Information Provided by: 
  SC Developmental Disabilities Council 

 
 
PREPARING YOUR BODY FOR SOMEDAY
Practically all parents-to-be cross their fingers and wish for a healthy baby. But having a healthy baby isn't all luck. There are several steps you can take before you conceive to increase the likelihood of a healthy baby.

Before you become pregnant, take at least three months to get ready. A pre pregnancy training program can ease the physical strain of pregnancy and improve your baby's health.

Did you know that a daily multivitamin with folic acid (400 micrograms) is one of the most important aspects of preparing your body for the challenge of pregnancy? Taken daily, three months prior to conception and during the first two months of pregnancy, folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defectsóserious birth defects involving the spine or brain.*

THREE MONTHS TO GO
Arrange a special visit with your physician before conceiving. Review your current medications and ask about sexually transmitted diseases that could affect your pregnancy or your baby's health.

If you've been using birth control pills or an IUD, discontinue use. Use an alternative contraceptive. You should have at least two normal cycles before conception.

Check with your physician to make sure your vaccinationsóespecially rubellaóare up to date. (Delay pregnancy at least three months following vaccines.)

Eliminate use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

If overweight or underweight, focus on improving your nutrition with the goal of moving closer to your ideal weight.

Avoid eating undercooked meat or handling cat litter. These are sources of toxoplasmosis, which can seriously affect the fetus.

Take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day!

TWO MONTHS TO GO
Focus on your exercise routine and work outówalking, running, aerobics óat least 30 minutes three times a week.

Restructure your work or household routine to avoid any exposure to toxic substances, chemicals and radiation that can complicate the pregnancy and affect the fetus.

Review your family's history for information about pregnancy problems or birth defects. You may wish to seek genetic counseling.

Remember to take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day!

ONE MONTH TO GO
If you've been dieting, check with your physician about a maintenance program. Do not diet while pregnant or trying to conceive.

Include extra fresh fruit, vegetables and low-fat dairy products in your diet.

Continue to exercise at least three times a week.

Remember to take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid every day!
 
Congratulations! You're ready for a healthy pregnancy.

Now, more than ever, it's important to

maintain these good habits, especially taking [multivitamin with folic acid every day.*

If you have additional questions about your health before or during your pregnancy, contact your physician.

* The Centers For Disease Control and the Public Health Service have recommended that all women of childbearing years take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day in order to reduce the risk of serious birth defects of the spine and brain.
 

 
 
Some of the participating South Carolina mothers who have experienced healthy births gather for a picture with First Lady Mary Wood Beasley at the mansion.