There are many things you can do before and during your pregnancy to lower your chances of having a preterm baby:

• Before becoming pregnant, take a daily prenatal vitamin that has folic acid in it
• Get regular medical care before, during and between pregnancies
• Talk you your healthcare provider about your family’s history of preterm birth
• Tell your healthcare provider all the medications you are taking including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and home remedies
• Visit the dentist on a regular basis and take care of your teeth
• Don’t drink alcohol or use illegal drugs
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Talk to your healthcare provider about the right foods to eat, how much weight you should gain, and the amount of exercise that is good for you
• Always wear your seat belt
• If you are stressed or feel anxious or depressed, discuss this with your healthcare provider
• If someone is hurting you emotionally, physically or sexually, talk to you healthcare provider
• Avoid early labor induction and Caesarian section (c-section) without medical reasons

For more information on this topic, download:  
Good Health Before Pregnancy A
Good Health Before Pregnancy B
Good Health Before Pregnancy C
Infections and  Preterm Birth

 

 

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