The number of babies being born with a physical or mental handicap has dropped rapidly during the past few years, owing to better medical knowledge and skills, but even fewer handicapped babies would be born if more women consciously prepared themselves for pregnancy.
Pregnancy is going to be a long, tiring time, with a lot of hard labour when the baby is being born.
It is sensible therefore for the prospective mother to be in good health before she becomes pregnant.
The following are some of the positive steps she can take to make sure that she and the baby are as healthy as possible during those important nine months.

1. For general good health she needs a sensible diet, plenty of fresh air and exercise and sufficient rest.
   
2. Weight is important.
   Excess weight at the beginning of a pregnancy will put strain on the heart, legs and feet as the pregnancy develops, and will be difficult to lose after the birth.
   
3. Being very much underweight can cause problems to mother and baby.
   
4. It is much simpler to increase or decrease the weight before a pregnancy begins.
   
5. Any minor ailments such as anaemia, headaches, indigestion, etc.
   , should be treated.
   A pregnant woman should not be taking drugs which could harm the baby.
   
6. Women with more serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart complaints, epilepsy, etc.
   , should consult their doctor before they consider becoming pregnant.
   
7. Many mothers find that after the birth of their baby, their own teeth have suffered from a calcium deficiency.
   Before starting a pregnancy women should therefore have a thorough dental check and any necessary treatment.
   They should use a fluoride toothpaste to build up the enamel.
   Extra milk and cheese will provide more calcium in the diet to strengthen the teeth.
   
8. During pregnancy many women have discomfort and problems with their feet and ankles, which have a lot of extra weight to bear.
   It is sensible for women to have treatment for corns, hard skin, or other foot problems before they become pregnant.