- Consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily without failing
- Control chronic maternal illnesses like diabetes, seizure disorders, or phenylketonuria (PKU).
- Regularly go to your health experts. Converse to them about taking any medications, including prescription and over-the contradict medicines and dietary or herbal supplements, and take only what is needed. Talk with your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.
- Try to maintain healthy weight before pregnant.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and illicit street drugs
- Avoid toxic substances (PDF) at home and at work
- Make sure protection against intimate partner violence
- Plan carefully. Avoid using contraceptive pill. If taking contraceptive pill that increase the risk for birth defects.
- Recognize your family medical history, potential genetic risks and seek reproductive genetic counseling.








