Before You Conceive: 15 Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy

Start taking prenatal vitamins at least two months before conception. A good prenatal vitamin should include folic acid and calcium, among other nutrients that are important to a healthy pregnancy and baby. The March of Dimes reports that birth defects of the spine and brain, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, can occur if the mother does not get sufficient folic acid during the first few weeks of her pregnancy. According to the March of Dimes, the suggested dosage for folic acid for a non-pregnant woman is 0.4 mg and for a pregnant woman it is 0.8 to 1.0 mg. Folic acid is also found in many foods, including leafy greens, oranges and grapefruits, and whole grain breads.