Eating Right Before Pregnancy

There is no special diet that will facilitate you becoming pregnant. However, if you are considering pregnancy, you should be eating a balanced diet and taking a vitamin and mineral supplement that includes at least 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid. This level of folic acid supplement has been shown to decrease the risk of certain abnormalities (such as spina bifida). Also, if you drink alcohol or use drugs, you should stop before conception to ensure little to no negative effect on you and the developing fetus.

To ensure you are getting all the nutrients you and your baby need, it's best to discuss your nutritional needs with your health-care provider before you become pregnant, and again during your pregnancy.

Review Date: June 29, 2001
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.


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