Health Tip: What to Do Before Pregnancy
(HealthDay News) -- You can do certain things before becoming pregnant to create a safe and healthy environment for your baby, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development says.
First, you should pay attention to the foods you eat, the vitamins you take and the amount of alcohol you drink, the organization advises.
It offers these additional suggestions:
- Take a folic acid supplement.
- Lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
- Add fiber to your diet. Getting 10 more grams of fiber in the form of cereals, fruit and vegetables is associated with 26 percent lower risk of gestational diabetes.
- Consume less sugar, which can raise your risk of gestational diabetes.
- Eat less red meat, processed meat, animal fats and cholesterol.
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