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If you and your partner are looking to start a family or add to your existing one, the Canavan Foundation strongly recommends preconception carrier screening that will provide you with critical information to help build a healthy family.

At the Canavan Foundation, we have spent decades helping families understand how to have a healthy pregnancy and safeguard their futures. Our mission centers on education, support, and research into genetic diseases, but we are here providing a guide for any individual looking to start or expand a family. Below, we share evidence-based guidance on the best practices for a healthy pregnancy. We also address why genetic screening and healthy habits during pregnancy are vital to ensuring positive outcomes for both parents and babies.

The recommendations in this guideline are for general information only. We suggest you speak to a licensed healthcare professional for specific recommendations tailored to our own situation.

Why a Healthy Pregnancy Matters

A healthy pregnancy paves the way for fewer complications, optimal fetal development, and a stronger postpartum recovery. According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mothers who follow a healthy pregnancy diet, maintain a balanced lifestyle, and receive proper prenatal care significantly reduce the risk of birth defects and other serious conditions. The quality of prenatal health can have lifelong impacts on a child’s physical and cognitive development. Moreover, parents who prioritize self-care during pregnancy often cope better with the emotional demands of parenting, setting the stage for a more supportive and nurturing environment.

Key Steps to Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy

When prospective parents ask “Which behavior is essential for a healthy pregnancy?” we emphasize these core steps:

1. Schedule a Preconception Checkup: Visit your healthcare provider for a thorough assessment. This visit allows you to address any underlying medical concerns, discuss current medications, and receive professional advice on the signs of a healthy pregnancy once you conceive. This is the time to speak to your doctor about preconception genetic carrier screening, recommended for anyone planning to start or add to a family.
2. Learn Your Family History: Sharing your genetic background and ancestry with your healthcare team can offer personalized guidance on how to have a healthy pregnancy by addressing inherited risks proactively.
3. Adopt a Healthy Diet for Pregnancy: Aim to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins in your daily meals. A healthy diet for pregnancy not only strengthens your immune system but also contributes to the baby’s proper growth and development. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends limiting foods high in sugar, fat, and sodium while prioritizing nutrient-rich options, as nutrition remains central to both maternal and fetal health.
4. Engage in Regular Exercise: The CDC suggests aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly, supplemented by muscle-strengthening activities. Staying healthy for pregnancy through exercise can help regulate weight, reduce stress, and promote better sleep.
5. Take Folic Acid: The CDC reommends folic acid intake of 400mg daily, via diet and/or supplementation, is vital to prevent neural tube defects. Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on your specific needs.
6. Avoid Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs: Substances like alcohol can lead to serious prenatal complications, including fetal alcohol syndrome. Eliminating these from your routine is one of the most fundamental tips for healthy pregnancy.
7. Minimize Exposure to Toxins: Try to avoid areas where you might encounter heavy metals, harmful chemicals, and radiation. Safe home environments, equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, reduce potential health hazards.
8. Manage Weight: Both obesity and being underweight increase pregnancy risks. Balancing body weight before conception helps stabilize hormone levels and foster a healthy pregnancy.
9. Get Vaccinated: Stay current with immunizations such as flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as recommended by your healthcare provider, to strengthen your immune defenses.

For a concise overview of these best practices, you can also view our three-minute video guide on tips for healthy pregnancy preparation.

The Importance of Genetic Screening

Genetic screenings are a critical part of preparing for pregnancy, as they can uncover inherited conditions that parents may pass on to children. If both parents are found to be carriers of the same condition, a general counselor can guide the prospective parents through their options.

Carrier screenings analyze genetic markers to determine if you or your partner carries mutations that could lead to serious conditions. By identifying risk factors early, you take proactive steps to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy.

Most individuals start by speaking to their Ob-Gyn or primary care provider. Some individuals choose to undergo these evaluations through specialized labs or under the guidance of genetic counselors. Our article on who should be screened and how the screening is done outlines the screening process. Anyone considering starting a family or adding to their current one should consider genetic screening as an essential part of having a healthy pregnancy.

Spotlight on Canavan Disease

One of the conditions our organization focuses on is Canavan disease, a rare inherited disorder that affects the brain’s white matter. Understanding your carrier status is crucial for those with family histories of this condition or those belonging to populations at higher risk. We stress the significance of prompt, accurate screening to reduce the likelihood of passing on this devastating disease.

Addressing Autosomal Recessive Conditions

Many severe genetic disorders, including Canavan disease, are autosomal recessive. This means both parents must carry a mutation in the same gene, and each child has a 25% chance of inheriting the condition if both parents are carriers. Being fully informed empowers you to choose the right path for your family, whether that involves further medical intervention or tailored prenatal care plans.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Beyond genetic considerations, ensuring your home is conducive to good health is equally essential. Securing furniture, installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and reducing exposure to household chemicals all contribute to healthy habits during pregnancy. This supportive environment complements a healthy pregnancy diet, regular exercise, and routine medical checkups.

At the Canavan Foundation, we believe every family should feel equipped and informed when starting or adding to their family. By following the steps outlined above, you can build a solid foundation for a healthy pregnancy journey. From adopting a healthy diet for pregnancy to completing essential carrier screenings, each choice you make shapes your child’s future.

Preparing for a healthy pregnancy involves more than just medical visits. It calls for a commitment to overall well-being, emotional stability, and the pursuit of knowledge about potential genetic risks. This multifaceted approach reduces anxiety, fosters healthier outcomes, and helps parents stay focused on welcoming a thriving new life into their homes. By prioritizing both preventive measures and proactive screenings, you increase the likelihood of a smooth pregnancy and set the stage for a healthy, joyful family future.

The Canavan Foundation is dedicated to educating at-risk populations about Canavan disease and other genetic diseases and the reproductive options available to carrier couples. We encourage preconception genetic carrier screening whenever appropriate. In addition, the foundation supports research towards treatments and a cure for Canavan disease. You can look into getting screened today or support our critical work by making a donation!