Make healthy choices

Taking good care of yourself is the best way to take care of your baby. Pay special attention to the basics:

• Make a preconception appointment. Before getting pregnant, talk to your health care provider about your overall health. Discuss lifestyle changes that improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby. Address concerns you might have about fertility or pregnancy. Ask about how to boost the odds of conception. Also ask about options if you have trouble getting pregnant.
• Seek regular prenatal care. When you're pregnant, keep up with prenatal visits. They allow your health care provider to monitor your health and your baby's health. Mention any symptoms that concern you. Talking to your health care provider is likely to put your mind at ease.
• Eat a healthy diet. During pregnancy, you'll need more folic acid, calcium, iron, vitamin D and other essential nutrients. If you're already eating a healthy diet, keep it up. A daily prenatal vitamin can help fill any gaps. Begin taking a prenatal vitamin a few months before getting pregnant.
• Gain weight wisely. Gaining the right amount of weight can support your baby's health. It can make it easier to shed extra pounds after delivery too. Work with your health care provider to put together a plan that's right for you.
• Stay active. Regular physical activity can help ease discomfort during pregnancy, boost energy and improve overall health. It can help increase stamina and muscle strength, which helps with labor and childbirth. Get your health care provider's OK before starting or continuing an exercise program. This is especially important if you have an underlying condition.
• Avoid risky substances. Alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs are off-limits during pregnancy. Check with your health care provider before taking any medications or supplements.

• Learn about prenatal testing for chromosomal conditions. Ask your provider about prenatal screening and testing. A commonly used screening test is the prenatal cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) screening. This is a method to screen for certain chromosomal conditions in a developing baby, such as Down syndrome. During the screening, DNA from the mother and fetus is taken from the mother's blood. It's screened for the increased chance of specific chromosome problems, such as Down syndrome, trisomy 13 and trisomy 18.

  Diagnostic tests such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis can provide information about the risk of specific chromosomal conditions. These tests carry a slight risk of miscarriage. Your health care provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits.