Staying healthy before and during pregnancy
If you plan to become pregnant, or if you are pregnant, you can lower your risk of having a baby with a congenital heart defect by taking steps to have a healthy pregnancy.1
If you wish to become pregnant:
- Take a daily multivitamin with 0.4 mg (400 mcg) of folic acid.
- Talk to your doctor about how to take care of yourself before you get pregnant. For example, your doctor may recommend you get a vaccination for rubella (German measles), get checked for phenylketonuria, or manage your diabetes.
- Talk to your doctor about medicines that you use, including non-prescription medicines. Some medicines have been linked to birth defects.
- Avoid contact with people who have the flu or other contagious diseases.
- Avoid certain chemicals (organic solvents) such as paints, varnishes, hair dyes, and glue.
If you are pregnant:
- Avoid certain chemicals (organic solvents) such as paints, varnishes, hair dyes, and glue.
- Avoid contact with people who have the flu or rubella (German measles). Your doctor may recommend that you get vaccines for these diseases.
- Do not drink alcohol. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
- Do not smoke. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about ways to quit.
- Do not use illegal drugs.
- Talk to your doctor about medicines that you use, including non-prescription medicines.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: December 20, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Larry A. Latson, MD - Pediatric Cardiology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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