Springing into Pregnancy

The daffodils are blooming, leaves are budding on the trees and babies are being made – spring is finally here. And if you're pregnant or trying to conceive during this season of new life, then it's the perfect time to start thinking healthy.

As a mom-to-be, your health and your baby's health depend heavily on the next nine months. Assessing your health and making healthy lifestyle changes before conceiving and in the early months of your pregnancy will help you avoid problems later.

Here are 5 ways to get a healthy start to your pregnancy this spring.

Many pregnancies are surprises, but if you're planning on getting pregnant, a preconception exam with your OB/GYN is a great first step. At this appointment, your doctor will talk about how to discontinue any birth control methods you've been using and assess your overall health. Your doctor will look at your lifestyle for potentially pregnancy-unfriendly activities, such as smoking. He or she will talk to you about your diet and your work environment, and whether or not work stress or toxin exposure may become a problem for you during pregnancy.

You will be asked about your family history and any genetic factors that might impact reproduction. Your doctor will check your blood for immunities, anemia and other potential problems, and address any preexisting medical conditions that may impact the health of your pregnancy, such as diabetes. And the doctor will probably recommend supplementing folic acid for at least six weeks prior to conception to prevent neural tube defects or spina bifida.

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