BODY WATCH / TIDBITS : Pre-Conception Health Is Vital Too

Last year, more babies were born in the United States in August than in any other month, which made December, give or take, the prime month for conception.

Experts agree that women should begin to pay close attention to their health habits even before conceiving--rather than waiting until the pregnancy test comes back positive to clean up their acts. Here, a rundown of do’s and don’ts:

* When you stop using birth control, begin to take prenatal vitamins with folic acid, which can help prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Ask your physician about ideal amounts.

* Do not take extra Vitamin A. Taking too much can increase the risk of birth defects if taken early in pregnancy.

* During dental visits, be sure the abdomen is shielded during X-rays. Avoid X-rays of other body parts if possible.

* Wash fruits and vegetables before eating to clean off pesticides.

* Consider genetic counseling if you are older than 34 or if there is a family history of birth defects.

* If you have a chronic illness such as diabetes, check in with the health care provider who manages that condition to be sure it is under the best possible control.

* Abstain from alcohol and smoking.

Sources: Dr. David Preskill, chief of obstetrics and gynecology service, Kaiser Permanente, San Diego; Monthly Vital Statistics Report, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; New England Journal of Medicine.