### Steps to Take Before Getting Pregnant to Ensure a Healthy Baby 1. **Quit Smoking**: Smoking can make it harder to get pregnant and can lead to complications like miscarriage and low birth weight. Both you and your partner should quit smoking, including e-cigarettes. 2. **Maintain a Healthy Weight**: Being overweight or underweight can affect your ability to conceive and may lead to complications like diabetes and high blood pressure. Aim for a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet. 3. **Take Prenatal Vitamins**: Start taking a prenatal vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid before you try to conceive. This helps prevent spinal defects in the baby. Also, consider vitamins with DHA and possibly extra vitamin D. 4. **Know Your Family History**: Inform your doctor about any family history of birth defects, diabetes, or other conditions. This can influence the tests and precautions your doctor recommends. 5. **Avoid Illegal Drugs and Limit Alcohol**: Illegal drugs and heavy alcohol use can affect fertility and harm the baby. It's best to avoid these substances entirely when trying to conceive. 6. **Limit Caffeine**: High caffeine intake can make it harder to conceive and may increase the risk of miscarriage. Try to limit your caffeine intake. 7. **Consult Your Doctor**: If you have any medical conditions or are taking medications, consult your doctor. They can help optimize your health and adjust any medications that might pose a risk to your baby. 8. **Be Cautious with Online Information**: The internet is full of myths about pregnancy. Always consult your doctor to verify any information you find online.