Question
Should women who are planning to get pregnant start taking preventive medications for birth defects early, or should they wait until they confirm their pregnancy?
Answer
For women planning to get pregnant, it is recommended to start taking folic acid three months before conception to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. If pregnancy has already been confirmed, it is also advisable to begin taking folic acid immediately. Maintaining good lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, ensuring adequate sleep, avoiding overexertion, and keeping a positive mood, all contribute to the healthy development of the baby. It is suggested that you and your partner undergo a pre-pregnancy physical examination at a regular hospital’s gynecology department.