Dr. Mathews ONLINE

Conception occurs about 2 weeks before your period is due. That means you may not even know you're pregnant until you're more than 3 weeks pregnant. Yet your baby is most sensitive to harm 2 to 8 weeks after conception. This is when your baby's facial features and organs, such as the heart and kidneys, begin to form. Anything you eat, drink, smoke or are exposed to can affect your baby. That's why it's best to start acting as if you're pregnant before you are.

Even before you're thinking about getting pregnant you can talk about your diet, habits, lifestyle and any concerns with your doctor. Plan on visiting your doctor within a year before you want to get pregnant. At that time, you may be given a physical check-up. You and your partner will probably be asked about your medical history. You'll both have the chance to ask your doctor questions.

What you eat will also feed your baby. Junk food like potato chips and cookies won't have the right nutrients for your baby. You might also need to make some changes if you follow a vegetarian or weight-loss diet. Talk to your doctor before taking extra vitamins and minerals. Some of them may be harmful.

Women who don't get enough folic acid during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with serious problems of the brain or spinal cord. It's important to take folic acid 2 months before becoming pregnant because these problems develop very early in pregnancy. Women need about 0.4 mg of folic acid a day. You can take a multivitamin or eat plenty of green, leafy vegetables, oranges, bananas, milk, grains and organ meats (such as chicken liver).