Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy. If you see your doctor regularly when you are pregnant, your doctor can check to make sure you and your baby are healthy at every visit. If there are any problems, early action will help you and the baby.

There are other things you should do to help keep yourself and your baby as health as possible during your pregnancy:

• STOP smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs. All of these can be extremely dangerous for your baby. Ask your doctor if you need help quitting.
• Take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and calcium-rich foods. Choose foods that are low in saturated fat.
• Aim to get 30 minutes of exercise or activity most days of the week, unless your doctor tells you not to. Taking a brisk walk is a great way to get your exercise for the day.
• Ask your doctor before taking any medicine. Some medications (even those available over-the-counter) are not safe to take during pregnancy.