U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Thursday that these measures along with getting proper nutrition and exercise are step women should take before becoming pregnant.
Thirty-five federal, public and private partners worked together to come up with the recommendations.
HealthDay News reports more that than a dozen risk factors and conditions were identified by the experts. These need treatment in order for the pregnancy to be healthy.
Dr. Julie Gerberding, CDC director, says in a statement, "The child-bearing years are an exciting time in a woman's life and there are a number of steps they can take to be healthy, benefiting both them and their future child."
She adds, "For instance, even before pregnancy, women of child-bearing age should see their doctor about controlling existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and eating disorders. They should take 400 micrograms of folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol."
