Are you planning to become pregnant soon? Here are things you can do before pregnancy to improve your chances of having a healthy baby:

1. Take folic acid every day. Folic acid is a B vitamin that has been shown to reduce birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. For maximum benefit, a woman should start taking folic acid a month or two before pregnancy. The recommended dose is 0.4 mg daily, which is the amount usually found in a multivitamin.

2. See your doctor. He/she can review your overall health status to determine if there are any concerns about carrying a pregnancy. This is particularly important if you have diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or asthma.

3. If you smoke, stop smoking. Smoking decreases your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

4. Stop drinking alcohol. No safe level of alcohol use has been established for pregnancy, so it is best to avoid it entirely, even while you are trying to get pregnant.

5. Keep your caffeine use to a minimum. Heavy caffeine use may decrease your ability to get pregnant and increase your risk of miscarriage once you are pregnant.

6. Make sure you are up to date on your shots. Some shots cannot be given during pregnancy, so it is best to get them before you get pregnant.

7. If you are carrying extra weight, talk to your doctor. Carrying extra weight can increase your risk for problems during the pregnancy.

Dr. Griebel is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Practice at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria and provides family-centered maternity care at Family Medical Center in Peoria.