Your Baby's Development
This first week is actually your menstrual period. Because your
expected delivery date (EDD) is calculated from the first day of
your last period, this week counts as part of your 40-week
pregnancy even though your baby hasn't been conceived yet.
Your Body
During pregnancy, your healthy habits and your baby's health
go hand in hand. While planning to conceive, take the time to
prepare your body for motherhood. Before becoming pregnant, you
should:
-
Avoid alcohol, drugs, and tobacco products.
These substances can cause birth defects,
fetal alcohol syndrome
, respiratory problems, low birth weight, and other health
problems.
-
Talk to your doctor about any prescription and
nonprescription (OTC) drugs you are taking.
You'll need to take special precautions with medications
because many prescription and over-the-counter medications can
negatively affect the fetus. But don't stop taking
prescription drugs without consulting your health care provider,
who will help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of
stopping your medications.
-
Maintain a diet that contains an adequate amount of
vitamins, especially folic acid.
Women who are attempting to become
pregnant
should take 400 micrograms of folic acid a day. Adequate folic
acid intake reduces the risk of neural tube defects (birth
defects caused by incomplete development of the brain or spinal
cord), such as
spina bifida
. Be sure to talk to your health care provider about taking a
folic acid supplement while you are trying to conceive.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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