| What | Why | How |
| 1. Eliminate alcohol | - Alcohol can cause brain damage and other birth defects.
- There is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy.
- Alcohol can affect sperm quality.
- 50% of pregnancies are unplanned.
| - Avoid places where alcohol is served.
- Have a support system.
- contact Alcoholics Anonymous 519 337-5211 or click here for more info. (Help line: 1-877-327-4636).
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| 2. Take folic acid before getting pregnant | - Folic acid can reduce the risk of brain and spinal cord defects in your baby.
| - Take a daily multi-vitamin with at least 0.4 mg of folic acid.
- Eat dark-green, leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, fortified cereal products, sunflower seeds and certain fruits and vegetables.
- More info click here
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| 3. Stop smoking | - Reduces fertility in men and women.
- Smoking lowers sperm quality.
- Higher risks for a low birth-weight baby and health problems
- Greater risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, still birth, tubal pregnancy.
- Second-hand smoke is just as harmful
| - For local programs, call Community Health Services at 519 344-2062, ext. 2350/2142 or toll free 1-800-667-1839.
- Smokers Helpline 1-877-513-5333.
- More info click here
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| 4. Eat healthy foods | - Poor food choices by men and women can affect fertility and cause low birth-weight babies.
- Important nutrients are needed for healthy brain and physical development of the fetus.
- Avoid dieting before the start of a pregnancy. "Even modest restrictions in maternal nutrition around the time of conception can lead to premature births and long-term adverse health effects for the offspring." (click here)
| - Call Community Health Services at 519 344-2062, ext. 2349/2033 or toll free 1-800-667-1839.
- Find out more about Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide
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| 5. Control current medical problems. | - Some medicines can harm a developing fetus. Safer ones may be available.
- Healthy teeth and gums reduce the risk of preeclampsia in pregnancy.
| - Discuss medical conditions with your doctor before getting pregnant.
- Discuss medicines with a pharmacist.
- Click here for more info.
- See your dentist before pregnancy.
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| 6. Get screened for infections and STIs. | - Certain infections can harm infants (Rubella, HIV, toxoplasmosis, Fifth's Disease, herpes, etc.)
| - Talk with your doctor about preconception medical screening.
- Ensure immunizations are up-to-date.
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| 7. Avoid illicit drugs & herbal remedies. | - Some drugs can affect fertility and sperm quality.
- Certain drugs can cause low birth-weight babies and birth defects depending on exposure.
- Herbal remedies can have harmful effects.
- Baby can become addicted.
| - Men and women should talk with a pharmacist about drugs and herbal remedies if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Click here for more info or call 1-877-327-4636 for more information on drug effects.
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| 8. Understand our environment & workplace risks. | - Certain chemical can:
Affect fertility
Cause birth defects
Affect sperm quality
Be passed to the fetus at conception and harm the baby.
- Some physical hazards - vibrations, x-rays, radiation, too much noise and heat - can affect fertility and harm the fetus.
- Some biological agents can cause birth defects, nervous system effects and fetal death.
| - Review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the chemicals you handle.
- Talk to your employer or safety rep about workplace risks and controls, personal protective equipment, ventilation, job modification, etc.
- For more info click here.
- Avoid hobbies and renovations that may result in exposure to toxins.
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| 9. Have a good support system. | - Pregnant women without support are at risk for depression and unhealthy behaviours.
- 40% of abuse starts during pregnancy.
| - Ask your family or a friend for help.
- Contact the Women's Interval Home at 519 336-5200 or 1-800-265-1412 if you need help.
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| 10. Prepare your body at least 3 month before getting pregnant. | - It takes 3 months for sperm to develop. Clear your system of toxins prior to conception.
- Be healthy and physically active before getting pregnant for life-long benefits for baby.
| - Talk with your doctor and employer about reducing risks.
- Find ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle (i.e. join a walking group with friends or family.)
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