What can a woman do to keep her unborn baby healthy?

Although there is no way to guarantee that your baby will be born 100 percent healthy, expecting mothers can take certain steps to reduce the risk of some physical and intellectual abnormalities.

The National Women's Health Information Center and AVSC International, an organization that promotes reproductive health care worldwide, give some tips for pregnant women:

• Visit a health-care provider in the first trimester of your pregnancy, and then at regular intervals until you give birth.
• Contact your insurance provider or, if you don't have one, contact your local family or social services for health insurance options.
• Eat healthy foods. Your doctor may instruct you with some specific nutrition guidelines.
• Get regular physical activity. Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean that you need to stop exercising; just don't overexert yourself.

There are a number of unhealthy substances that you should avoid for the benefit of your unborn child. These substances have been linked to physical and mental abnormalities in infants.

You should avoid:

• Alcohol
• Other drug use
• Cigarette smoking and other tobacco use
• X-rays
• Common over-the-counter medications (read the label or consult your doctor in specific cases)
• Other medication (such as those for seizures, cancer, acne, etc.)
• Toxic chemicals, such as insecticides, solvents, lead and mercury.
• Cat litter. While you're pregnant, stay away from cat litter, because it can carry toxoplasmosis, which can cause birth defects. Also, wear gloves while gardening in areas that cats may visit and while handling uncooked meats.

A few other tips to follow:

• Folic acid, a B vitamin, is especially important in early pregnancy. If possible, a month before conception, increase intake to 0.4 mg of folic acid a day, and continue at least through the first three months of your pregnancy. Good sources of folic acid are green leafy vegetables, liver, citrus juices, lentils and chickpeas. Fortified cereals or multivitamins will ensure that you get adequate amounts of folic acid daily.
• Enroll in prenatal classes. Your doctor may give you some options for classes, or else check with your local public health office. Refresher courses are a good idea for women who have been through the classes before.
• Try to reduce your stress level. Though emotional changes are normal during pregnancy, a long period of high stress can lower the amount of food and oxygen going to your baby.