Women's Health

Getting Ready

If you are planning to have a baby soon, we know you want to have the healthiest baby possible. Although no one can promise you an easy pregnancy and a healthy baby, here are some important things you can do to improve your chances. Click these links for more information.

Eat Healthy & Get Folic Acid

• Before you get pregnant, it is important to be a healthy weight. Being overweight or underweight can affect your pregnancy. Find your recommended body weight.
• Eat a balanced diet before getting pregnant
• Take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day. Vitamins and minerals, especially folic acid, may decrease the risk of serious birth defects in your baby if you get pregnant.

Kick Bad Habits

• Changing any unhealthy habits that you and your partner have before you have a baby, gives your baby the best possible start
• You should be tobacco, alcohol and drug-free before trying to become pregnant to avoid unnecessary risks for your baby
• Try to avoid exposure to medicine (even prescription and over-the-counter medicine), lead, chemicals and diseases like measles, chickenpox, and influenza before you get pregnant

Reduce Stress

Many things can be stressful in a woman's life. Think about what causes stress for you. What would help reduce the stress or help you deal with it? If your partner is hurting you - physically or emotionally - find someone to talk to and learn how you can be safer.

Learn Your Medical History

Know your family's medical history. Now is a good time to learn your partner's family medical history as well. If there are diseases that run in either of your families, your healthcare provider might recommend genetic counseling or tests that could provide valuable information regarding a future pregnancy.

Have a Check-Up and Get in Shape

"My Personal Health Pledge Card" (PDF version)
(Plain text version)

Before you get pregnant, have a physical exam to evaluate your overall health. This is particularly true if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic diseases. These and other medical conditions should be well-controlled before you get pregnant.

Women who are physically fit before they become pregnant usually tolerate pregnancy and delivery better. Walking is a great way to exercise and can be done anywhere, for any amount of time.

"My Health Journal" (download version)

You can download in word format for personal use.

Be Smart. Be Ready.

The NC Medicaid Family Planning Waiver, also known as "Be Smart", makes free family planning services available to eligible men and women in North Carolina.

HIV and AIDS

When people develop AIDS, they often get other diseases and infections that are harder to cure. People with HIV can stay healthy for a very long time if they get medical care in the early stages.

Other Links

North Carolina

Information about nutrition during and after pregnancy.

Information about free or low-cost children's health insurance.

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Last updated: October 2011