Health Tip: Preparing for Pregnancy

(HealthDay News) -- At least three months before you try to get pregnant, you should start making sure that your body has the nutrients it needs to conceive a healthy baby.

The American Pregnancy Association offers these recommendations:

• Make sure you get at least 400 micrograms of folate or folic acid each day, either from your diet or from a supplement.


• Get at least 1,000 milligrams per day of calcium -- the equivalent of three 8-ounce glasses of skim milk.


• Talk to your doctor about taking a special vitamin for women who are pregnant or are likely to become pregnant.


• Reduce -- to no more than 300 milligrams daily -- your intake of caffeine, which can affect fertility and the body's ability to absorb calcium and iron.


• Avoid alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and artificial sweeteners.