Women who wish to become mothers should ideally prepare even before conception takes place.
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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Good eating habits, vitamin supplementation and a general health evaluation add up to ideal conditions for a baby, says Dr. Lisa Halvorson, an obstetrician/gynecologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
“It’s easy to avoid some potential complications for both mother and baby,” Dr. Halvorson says.
She recommends the following steps for the prospective mother:
· See your physician for a general physical exam, including a Pap smear;
· Have your doctor review all your medications for potential danger to the fetus;
· Get tested for diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and thyroid disorders;
· If you’re not already immune, get vaccinated against rubella (German measles);
· Begin daily supplements of at least 400 micrograms of folic acid;
· Stop smoking and drinking alcohol;
· With your health care provider’s help, set an appropriate exercise plan; and
· Avoid rat, mouse or cat feces, and dangerous chemicals at home and work.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/obgyn to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in gynecology and obstetrics.
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