Health before pregnancy is very important for both women and men. The choices you make before pregnancy not only impacts your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy, but may also impact on the future health of your baby.

• Why is health before pregnancy so important?
• Does smoking affect my chances of getting pregnant?
• How active should I be prior to getting pregnant?
• What immunizations should I get prior to pregnancy?
• Are there chemicals at home or at work that my partner and I should avoid?
• What type of foods should I eat to be healthy before I get pregnant?
• What should I know about my family history before I get pregnant?
• Why do emotions play an important role before pregnancy?
• Why does stress affect pregnancy?
• What impact does caffeine; alcohol or drugs have on a pregnancy?
• What impact does sexual health have on a pregnancy?
• Related Links

Why is health before pregnancy so important?

• Babies often get a good head start on growing well before many women learn they are pregnant. So it is important to recognize that the health choices you and your partner make now can have an impact on your "future" baby's health.
• Healthy changes you make now can improve your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.
• There are many things to discuss with your partner before you get pregnant such as your views on parenting, your emotions, and your relationship. A baby will bring many changes to your lives including emotional, financial, physical and career changes.

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Does smoking affect my chances of getting pregnant?

• Smoking can decrease your chances of getting pregnant.
• When you smoking during pregnancy the chemicals in tobacco smoke are passed to your baby. These poisons can affect your unborn baby even before you know you are pregnant.
• Smoking during pregnancy is the number one cause of babies being born underweight. Exposure to second-hand smoke also adds to this problem.
• If you smoke during your pregnancy you have a higher chance of miscarriage and bleeding problems and your baby may be born before his or her due date and may not be fully developed.
• Give yourself time to quit before pregnancy - the first few weeks are the hardest. Work with your doctor. And try to keep up your healthier choice.
• A smoke-free home means your baby will have fewer breathing problems and ear infection and you'll cut the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (crib death).

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How active should I be prior to pregnancy?

• Being active before you or your partner gets pregnant boosts your chances of having a baby who isn't underweight at birth. But try not to go overboard.
• In rare cases, too much exercise can make it harder to get pregnant.
• Walking is a healthy start.

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What immunizations should I get prior to pregnancy?

• Certain diseases put a baby at serious risk for birth defects.
• Women need to know whether they've had German Measles (Rubella) or been immunized for them.
• Are you up to date on the "every 10 year" vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus and polio?
• Another disease that can cause birth defects during pregnancy is toxoplasmosis, spread through used cat litter, garden soil and uncooked meats. Pregnant women shouldn't change cat litter, eat raw meat or garden without gloves.
• Hand washing is the number one way to keep disease from spreading.

You and your partner should also know your blood type. Talk to your doctor about risks linked to blood types and having children.

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Are there chemicals at home or work that my partner and I should avoid?

• Chemicals at home or work, such as lead and mercury, and those in garden pesticides, can create problems for men and women trying to get pregnant. In some cases, they can cause miscarriages or stillbirths.
• To find out more, visit the Motherisk  website to learn about chemicals and getting pregnant, and read the guidelines at your work on workplace hazardous materials (WHMIS).

What type of foods should I eat to be healthy before I get pregnant?

• A daily balance of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein foods help build a healthy baby. Use Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating  to make sure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet.
• Ask your doctor about folic acid  - a vitamin in foods like dark green vegetables, corn, oranges, dried beans and more. This key nutrient can help prevent certain birth defects.
• If you've had problems with overeating or extreme dieting, now's the time to explore why you turn to dangerous ways of coping with fears and stress. Talk to your doctor before you get pregnant.

What do I need to know about my family history before getting pregnant?

• Explore the medical history on both sides of the family.
• If you know of mental or physical challenges, you might want to get genetic counselling before a pregnancy .
• Families not only pass on their genes, they are a shoulder to lean on before and during a pregnancy.

Why do emotions play an important role before pregnancy?

• Strong feelings can take their toll on you.
• Dealing with your emotions can help you be ready for the changes a pregnancy can bring.
• Both men and women should pace themselves at work and home.
• Depression sometimes sneaks up: 25% of women and 10 per cent of men go through it sometimes in life.
• With your doctor, figure out what's normal for as you go through emotional ups and downs.
• Learn signs of depression and know who you can call for help.
• It is important to know that you can lean on your partner for support during a pregnancy.
• Sometimes, during pregnancy, relationships can get too tough to handle. Abuse of women, in about 40 per cent of reported cases, starts during the first pregnancy - don't let it go on. In Halton, reach out to your local woman's shelter or SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services of Halton)  .      

Why does stress affect pregnancy?

• Most people need about seven to nine hours of sleep nightly.
• It's the first step to managing stress, along with  physical activity and healthy eating.
• When stress gets the better of both men and women, it can keep pregnancy from happening.
• Stress is also linked to babies born too early or underweight.
• Set some limits in your life.
• Find a way to relieve your physical stress, and talk through your emotions with others.

What impact does caffeine; alcohol or drugs have on a pregnancy?

• Some studies suggest that too much caffeine may cause babies to be born with birth defects or underweight. There is no direct link as of yet, however, it is best to play it safe and to cut back on all sources of caffeine.
• Caffeine is in coffee, tea, pop, and chocolate – and even in some over-the-counter pills.
• Read labels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any over-the-counter drugs you use.
• Over-the-counter drugs can also make it harder to get pregnant or bring on problems while a baby is growing inside mom.
• If you drink alcohol  , take care before pregnancy. No known amount of alcohol is safe during a pregnancy; it's the leading cause of mental retardation in children.
• Drugs can also lead to birth defects and learning problems. You can take charge of a drug or drinking problem. Call your local addiction services.

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What impact does sexual health have on a pregnancy?

• Sexually transmitted infections can be the main reason pregnancy doesn't happen (infertility).
• Chlamydia  is a common STI that often has no signs or symptoms, yet has to be treated so it doesn't lead to infertility.
• Talk to your doctor about testing and protecting yourself from infections spread through sexual (including HIV/AIDS).

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Related Links

• Health Before Pregnancy online resource  - Best Start 
• Thinking of Becoming Pregnant?  - Public Health Agency of Canada 
• Frequently Asked Questions: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder  - Public Health Agency of Canada
• Healthy Babies Start with Healthy Moms  384KB - Dietitians of Canada 

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