• Visit your health care provider. Tell them you are planning to get pregnant.  They should do a complete physical to make sure you are in shape to start a pregnancy.  They will review any medications you are taking to make sure they are safe to take with pregnancy.  A review of your health history and immunizations is also important to identify any issues that need to be addressed before conception. 
• Start taking a prenatal vitamin that contains folic acid.  Folic acid can prevent certain birth defects and should be started before conception. Continue to take the vitamin throughout the pregnancy. 
• Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and taking illicit drugs. All of these substances can cause harm to you and the baby. 
• Eat healthy and exercise regularly.  Women who start their pregnancy at a healthy weight decrease risks for hypertension and diabetes. 
• Stay away from toxic chemicals such as pesticides, solvents such as paint thinners, radiation (x-rays), lead and mercury. 
• Avoid changing cat litter. Women can get toxoplasmosis from cat feces and this can cause complications with your pregnancy.
  

Call your obstetrician or midwife when you suspect you are pregnant and make an appointment to begin your prenatal care.

Adams County Women’s Health
WellSpan Health Center
450 South Washington Street
Suite B
Gettysburg PA 17325
(717) 337-4487