Preconception Care

Take 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid daily starting at least one month before conception and continuing through the first trimester. If you have a history of neural tube defects or take medications that lower folate levels, your provider may recommend 4,000 micrograms daily. What vaccinations do I need before conceiving, and how long before pregnancy should I get them?::Get up to date on routine shots such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella, Tdap, and hepatitis B. Ideally, receive any needed vaccines at least two weeks before trying to conceive, as some, like MMR, are live vaccines and should be avoided during pregnancy. Should I stop smoking or drinking alcohol before trying to conceive, and how long does it take for the benefits to show?::Yes. Quit smoking and abstain from alcohol as soon as possible. For smoking, benefits begin within weeks, with reduced risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. For alcohol, abstaining at least one month before conception reduces the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. If I have a chronic condition like diabetes or hypertension, what steps should I take before pregnancy to reduce risks?::Work with your provider to stabilize blood sugar or blood pressure, aiming for HbA1c <7% for diabetes and BP <130/80 mmHg for hypertension. Adjust medications if needed, and consider a preconception counseling visit to review medication safety and plan for tighter monitoring during pregnancy.