Is a baby in your future? Plan for it! You plan for many events in your life. What about planning for pregnancy? Parenting begins long before your baby is conceived. Babies begin to develop even before a woman knows that she is pregnant. This means that the time to prepare for your baby's health is before you even get pregnant. There are things that both men and women can do to improve the health of their future children. If you are thinking of starting a family, you can: Pick up a copy of Planning Ahead for Pregnancy and Parenting: A practical guide for those planning a pregnancy. Visit www.healthbeforepregnancy.ca and Talk to your health care provider. Ideally, try to begin planning for your pregnancy three months in advance. Tips on how to prepare Discuss parenthood with your partner before you get pregnant Are you and your partner ready for a baby? Ask yourselves the following questions: Why do we want a baby? How will children affect our lifestyle? How will having a baby affect work or career goals? Can we afford it? Do we have a supportive relationship? Adopt a healthy lifestyle Make healthy food choices Take Folic Acid daily before you get pregnant * Maintain a healthy weight Get active Avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs Avoid environmental hazards at work and home Take time to relax *Folic acid (or folate), a B vitamin, taken daily before pregnancy and in early pregnancy can reduce the risk of certain birth defects of the brain and spine; the problems are known as neural tube defects. If you are planning a pregnancy and have never had a child with a neural tube defect: Eat a healthy diet that includes foods rich in folic acid: green leafy vegetables, legumes (dried peas, beans and lentils), nuts and seeds, orange juice, whole grain and enriched breads and cereals Take a supplement containing 0.4 mg of folic acid every day Look for flour, pasta and other enriched grain products that have had folic acid added Consider your family history and medical history Are you 35 years old or older? Are you taking any medication? Do you have any medical concerns? Have a medical check-up Are you immune to Rubella, Chicken Pox and other communicable diseases? Get tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections Discuss any medications you are taking To talk to a Public Health Nurse about planning a pregnancy call the Reproductive Health Phone Line at: 519-883-2267. To receive free resources call the Region of Waterloo Public Health Resource Centre at: 519-883-2256.