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Parental health

By Mayo Clinic staff

Parental health is key to a healthy pregnancy. After all, healthy parents are more likely to have healthy babies. Start with parental health basics, such as updating your vaccines, eating healthy foods, taking prenatal vitamins and exercising regularly.

Parental health takes on additional significance if you have a chronic medical condition that may affect your pregnancy. Work with your health care provider to manage your condition both before and during pregnancy. Remember, taking good care of yourself is the best way to take care of your baby.

Parental health includes genetic considerations, too. Simply understanding parental health — including your family medical history and your partner's family medical history — can provide clues about specific traits or conditions that may be inherited. For more specific information, genetic testing may be an option.

MY00329

March 19, 2009

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