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# Taking care of your baby begins prior to pregnancy
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/taking-care-of-your-baby-begins-prior-to-pregnancy/
- Published: 2005-05-10T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:01:24.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Health, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

Most women know the importance of prenatal care but many don’t realize that even before they become pregnant, they can make wise choices that will benefit both their own health and the future health of their baby.

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your Ob/Gyn or primary health care provider to arrange a physical exam and discuss preconceptual care, which includes medical, lifestyle and family history assessments.

“When a woman is preparing for pregnancy, there may be special medical concerns to consider, including diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems, all of which can increase pregnancy risks for the mother or the baby,” said Jon Matsunaga, M.D., an Ob/Gyn specialist and chair of the Ob/Gyn department at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. “Current treatments and possible adjustments to treatment need to be considered.”

Other medical topics that should be discussed are infections and vaccinations. Infections can harm both the mother and fetus. Vaccinations can prevent some infections such as measles, mumps and rubella. If you have not been vaccinated for those diseases, your doctor needs to know as he or she may recommend immunization. Because certain health conditions occur more often in families, a full family health history should also be taken during the exam, Matsunaga said.

He also stresses that women should discuss lifestyle issues such as family life, work and lifestyle with their doctor before trying to conceive. Diet and nutrition should also be reviewed, and changes may be suggested in areas such as: ■Your weight and whether it would be beneficial to gain or lose some before becoming pregnant. ■Your use of vitamins and other food supplements. ■Your eating habits, such as being a vegetarian. ■Any eating disorders you may have. Most doctors agree that it is advisable to take folic acid supplements prior to conception to reduce neural tube birth defects — deformities in which the spinal cord is exposed in a developing fetus.

Certain fish contain high levels of mercury and should be avoided for health reasons: swordfish, shark, tilefish and mackerel.

Alcohol and illegal drug use can harm both you and your fetus. No amount of those substances has been proven safe to use during pregnancy.

Cigarette smoking can cause premature birth, low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes and problems with the placenta. The risk of the baby dying from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) also is increased. If you do smoke, your doctor can give you resources and provide options for quitting before pregnancy. (To find an Ob/Gyn or any type physician), log onto the Saint John’s Web site at www.stjohns.org. Select “Find a Physician” and respond to the computer prompts. Browsers can choose from a wide range of specialists, which are then sorted by location, gender and language. The service instantly refers patients to one of Saint John’s experienced and caring physicians.)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 10, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/051005.pdf?ref=smdp.com)