Six Health Tips for Getting Pregnant in Northern California

Every mother hopes to conceive and carry a healthy baby. Making your health and wellness a priority before and during pregnancy can reduce the risk of certain maternal and fetal conditions. 

Dignity Health North State helps mothers and their babies by providing comprehensive prenatal care, including:

Find a Doctor who can help keep you and your little one safe with advice and health tips for getting pregnant in Northern California. If you’re trying to get pregnant, be sure to follow the  healthy pregnancy tips below.

 

Get Preconception Counseling at Dignity Health North State

See your doctor at least three months before you start trying to get pregnant. During your preconception counseling appointment, your doctor will check your overall health and suggest ways to get your body ready for pregnancy, including:

  • Making sure your vaccines are up to date
  • Adjusting prescription medications to be sure they are safe to take during pregnancy
  • Managing any existing chronic health conditions

 

Take a Folic Acid Supplement Daily

Folic acid is a type of B vitamin that can help reduce the risk of certain neurological birth defects, such as spina bifida. Start taking a folic acid supplement or a multivitamin with folic acid at least a month before you try to get pregnant. Doctors recommend 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily. 

 

Quit Smoking, Stop Drinking, & Avoid Drugs

Alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and street drugs can harm an unborn baby and cause problems such as stillbirth and preterm labor. Give your baby the best start and avoid these substances while you’re trying to conceive and throughout your pregnancy. Dignity Health North State offers classes and support to help you quit. 

 

Avoid Toxic Chemicals

Certain chemicals are known to cause issues during pregnancy including birth defects. Even everyday substances, such as cat feces, fertilizer, and bug spray, can be harmful to an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you work with or are regularly exposed to chemicals or other harmful substances. There are steps you can take to minimize your exposure and risk. 

 

Eat Well & Keep a Healthy Weight

Eating right helps your body do its job better. Avoid prepackaged convenience foods as much as you can. Instead, choose lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Losing weight before conception, if you are overweight, can help you avoid complications such as gestational diabetes. 

 

See Your Dentist

Gum disease has been linked to preterm birth. Get a dental checkup, have your teeth cleaned, and address any dental issues before getting pregnant, if possible. 

Even with the best preparation, pregnancy complications can still occur. That’s why Dignity Health North State has a state-of-the-art maternal fetal medicine program to care for high-risk pregnancies. Talk to your OB/GYN about steps you should take for a healthy pregnancy.

Dignity Health North State helps mothers and their babies stay healthy from conception to birth by offering health tips for getting pregnant in Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.