Pregnancy brings about many changes—both for the mother and baby.  While most women have normal, healthy pregnancies, everyone is at some risk for problems.

Issues during a pregnancy can range in severity—from poor nutrition, nausea or fatigue to gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, infectious diseases or premature birth. With the proper planning, education and physician involvement, many risks can be greatly reduced or avoided.

Scott MacGregor, D.O., Maternal and Fetal Medicine at NorthShore, gives his recommendations about what women can do both before and during their pregnancy to ensure a healthy self and baby:

• Prior to pregnancy begin prenatal vitamins or folate to reduce the risk of birth defects.
• Exercise and eat a balanced diet.
• Consult with your physician or midwife before pregnancy if you have medical problems, such as diabetes or hypertension.
• Consider genetic screening or testing if you are concerned about problems, such as Down syndrome.
• Optimize maternal and fetal surveillance for medical problems, such as maternal heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.
• Optimize obstetric management and fetal surveillance for obstetric problems, such as multiple gestation and prior preterm delivery.
• Consider fetal testing and surveillance during pregnancy to improve outcome.

What are some things you’ve done to prepare for a healthy pregnancy? What have you done during your pregnancy?

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Have high-risk pregnancy questions? View Dr. MacGregor's online medical chat transcript on the topic.