Skip to main content
MCHS_Logo_2024_BLACK
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay Bill Online
  • Request an Appointment
    • Services

      Featured Services

      • Cardiology (Heart)
      • Gastroenterology & Hepatology (Digestive Care)
      • Neurosurgery
      • Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)
      • Oncology (Cancer)
      • Orthopedics & Orthopedic Surgery (Bones)
      • Primary Care
      • Spine Care
      • Sports Medicine
      • Surgery
      • Urology

      View all services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Lake City
      • Lake Crystal
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Rochester
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      Iowa

      • Decorah

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    Posted By
    Randy Foss, M.D.

    Randy Foss, M.D.

    Birthing Centers, Family Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Prenatal Care, Primary Care

    Katie Hinderaker MD

    Katie Hinderaker, M.D.

    Birthing Centers, Family Medicine, Prenatal Care, Primary Care

    Recent Posts

    • Supplements
      Speaking of Health
      Supplements: What you need to know
      January 18, 2018
    • Liz_Kittelson_383x515
      Patient Stories
      Convenience and exceptional care: When you know you’re in the right place
      March 09, 2017
    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight-loss (Bariatric) Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Friday, November 12, 2021

    Thinking about getting pregnant? 6 things to think about first

    Topics in this Post
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Women's Health
    Cutting banana into bowl

    Making healthy lifestyle choices before you conceive can decrease your risk of complications during pregnancy and increase the chances of having a healthy baby. Making changes now will benefit you and your baby in the future.

    Here are 6 things to consider before getting pregnant:

    1. Healthy diet

    A well-balanced diet that consists of all food groups is important to supply the nutrients necessary for your body to grow and provide energy for you and your developing baby. Your daily diet should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy in appropriate amounts. Limit foods that are high in sugar and fat.

    2. Healthy weight

    Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight prior to pregnancy is an important goal. Carrying excess weight in pregnancy can put you at risk for pregnancy and childbirth complications, including blood pressure problems, preterm birth and gestational diabetes, as well as an increased risk of birth injury and cesarean section delivery. Being underweight can increase your risk for a low-birth-weight baby and preterm labor.

    3. Vitamin supplements

    All women of childbearing age should consume 400 micrograms of folic acid per day by taking a daily multivitamin containing folic acid. This has been found to help prevent neural tube defects. To do this, an over-the-counter prenatal vitamin supplement is recommended before pregnancy to provide all the recommended daily vitamins and minerals you will need before and during your pregnancy.

    4. Exercise

    Regular exercise is important for good health at any time in your life. An established exercise routine prior to pregnancy can be continued during pregnancy with adaptations, as needed. If you need to get started with exercise, take it slow at first, and try walking, swimming or bicycling. Talk to your health care provider before starting a strenuous workout program.

    5. Substance use or abuse

    If you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or use drugs, including marijuana, it is important to stop use prior to becoming pregnant. Your baby is most vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol and drugs during the first trimester ― the initial 12 weeks ― of pregnancy. Many women don't realize they are pregnant until some or most of this time period has passed. If you need help quitting, ask for help and support from your health care provider.

    6. Immunizations

    Check with your health care provider to make sure you are up to date with recommended vaccinations for your age and health status. Some infections, including influenza and COVID-19, have higher risks of severe disease in women who are pregnant. Other vaccinations, such as chickenpox, have risks to the developing baby. It is best to get vaccinated prior to pregnancy to prevent these diseases and any associated complications. Contact your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

    Randy Foss, M.D., and Katie Hinderaker, M.D., specialize in family medicine and prenatal care in Lake City and Red Wing, Minnesota.

    Topics in this Post
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Women's Health

    Related Posts

    P_Quintero_WI14_02 Teamwork helps ensure newborn gets strong start in life
    Caricature woman and health drawings Ovarian cancer: Get the facts
    Mother with newborn Easing labor pain with inhaled nitrous oxide

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Price Transparency
    • Community Resources
    • Mayo Clinic Connect
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • Manage Cookie
    © 2018 - 2025 Mayo Clinic Health System