When it comes to pregnancy, it seems everyone is an expert. Family, friends, neighbors, even total strangers, all have advice. And while it may be well-meaning, very little is likely to be medically sound.

Planning is a big part of a successful pregnancy. From the moment you learn you are expecting youll want to think about everything from your emotional and financial readiness to the more immediate concerns about finding the right caregiver and support during and after pregnancy. As a doctor, I believe it is important to take proper care of yourself even before you become pregnant in order to decrease the risk of any problems occurring. Here is my simple, 8-Step Program for Planning a Safe and Healthy Pregnancy.

STEP 1: TAKE FOLIC ACID

Why is folic acid so important before pregnancy? Its simple. By taking sufficient amounts of folic acid you decrease dramatically the risk of spina fibida and other of neural tube defects. Neural tube defects are major congenital anomalies of the brain or spinal cord that occur when the brain or spine fails to close properly. This crucial event occurs very early in pregnancy, so early in fact that many women run the risk of a neural tube defect even before they know they have conceived.

Folic acid is one of the B vitamins found naturally in green leafy vegetables, nuts and oranges. By eating 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, the risk of neural tube defects decreases by 75%. In North America, flour is fortified with folic acid and so it will appear in breads and pasta, however most women and men do not get that much through their daily diet. That is why women planning for pregnancy should take a supplement tablet containing folic acid every day. Start taking a prenatal multiple vitamin pill that you intend to take later in pregnancy before you become pregnant.

STEP 2: STOP DRINKING ALCOHOL

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the leading cause of preventable brain damage in infants and children. The great thing about planning your pregnancy is that you can take steps to avoid exposures to alcohol in plenty of time to ensure that your baby is safeguarded against its harmful effects. Thats why the most prudent choice when planning your pregnancy is to avoid alcohol entirely.

STEP 3: STOP CIGARETTE SMOKING

Before pregnancy you should stop smoking. Smoking during pregnancy may decrease your babys birth weight and increase the risk of stillbirth. Smoking also increases your risk for miscarriage. Last, but not least, smoking during pregnancy is associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

STEP 4: IMMUNIZE AGAINST DANGEROUS INFECTIOUS DISEASES

When you plan your pregnancy you should ensure that you are immunized against several viruses that are dangerous for unborn babies. The most important one is rubella (German measles). If you have not had rubella before, or if you were not immunized, your unborn child will not be protected. Vaccination against this virus is crucial because your other young children may contract the illness in daycare or school, or you may contract it from other young children. The other virus that you should be vaccinated against is chickenpox (varicella).

STEP 5: SEEK PRECONCEPTION GENETIC COUNSELING

If there is a history in your family of children born with congenital malformations or development delays, this is the time for genetic counseling. Your doctor can refer you. Genetic counseling usually involves a detailed assessment of your medical, obstetric, and family history, as well as various laboratory tests.

STEP 6: TREAT DRUG OR CHEMICAL DEPENDENCIES