Staying healthy before and during pregnancy

If you plan to become pregnant, or if you are pregnant, you can lower your risk of having a baby with a congenital heart defect by taking steps to have a healthy pregnancy.¹

If you wish to become pregnant:

• Take a daily multivitamin with 0.4 mg (400 mcg) of folic acid.
• Talk to your doctor about how to take care of yourself before you get pregnant. For example, your doctor may recommend you get a vaccination for rubella (German measles), get checked for phenylketonuria, or manage your diabetes.
• Talk to your doctor about medicines that you use, including nonprescription medicines. Some medicines have been linked to birth defects.
• Avoid contact with people who have the flu or other contagious diseases.
• Avoid certain chemicals (organic solvents) such as paints, varnishes, hair dyes, and glue.

If you are pregnant:

• Avoid certain chemicals (organic solvents) such as paints, varnishes, hair dyes, and glue.
• Avoid contact with people who have the flu or rubella (German measles). Your doctor may recommend that you get vaccines for these diseases.
• Do not drink alcohol. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
• Do not smoke. If you smoke, talk with your doctor about ways to quit.
• Do not use illegal drugs.
• Talk to your doctor about medicines that you use, including nonprescription medicines.

Citations

1. Jenkins KJ, et al. (2007). Noninherited risk factors and congenital cardiovascular defects: Current knowledge: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young: Endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Circulation, 115(23): 2995-3014.