Stop Using Drugs

Illegal drugs can cause birth defects.  Even some legal prescription drugs are known to cause birth defects, so please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.  If possible, all drugs should be removed from your system for a full 6 months before conception. 

Stop Smoking

The side effects of smoking include birth defects.  Ideally, smoking should be stopped 6 months before conception.

Stop Alcohol Consumption

GOVERNMENT WARNING: According to the surgeon general, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.  There is no safe amount of alcohol that a woman can drink while pregnant. 

Eat True Foods

True foods include minimally processed whole foods.  Preferably, they are not grown in pesticides, not genetically modified, do not contain preservatives or chemical/natural “flavorings or colorings,” and are not filled with hormones and antibiotics.  Ideally, begin eating True Foods several months before conception.

Read more about minimally processed whole foods in Super Foods for a Super Baby, Made Simple, and The Last Pregnancy Diet You’ll Ever Need.  Or read more information on eating right for your baby and choosing the right prenatal vitamins.

Use High-Quality Omega 3 Fish Oils

Fish oils, like Krill or Cod-Liver Oil, provide essential fatty acids for your baby’s brain development.  These are especially important because your body cannot manufacture this important fatty acid, it must be eaten.  Talk exists that this nutrient may be identified as the next widespread nutrient deficiency, so add this to your diet several months before conception.  

Select a Prenatal Vitamin that is Whole-Food-Grown

Evidence is mounting that synthetic vitamins sometimes cause more harm than good.  The simple solution seems to be whole-food-grown vitamins.