If you aren't pregnant yet, but plan to be soon, there are ways to help get your body ready for pregnancy. Being healthy, eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise, and avoiding stress can give the fetus the best start and makes pregnancy easier on you.

While pregnant, a woman's lifestyle -- including any food she eats or medication she takes -- affects the development of the fetus. Early prenatal care is important, as most of the internal organs are developed during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Prenatal care should begin as soon as possible. Clinics or classes can help with questions about the best foods to eat, ideal weight gain, good exercise, etc.

Alcohol, smoking, caffeine and drugs can all affect the health of a pregnant woman and the fetus. Drinking can cause birth defects, mental retardation, and low birth weight. This includes beer and wine as well as hard liquor such as rum or gin

Smoking can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight, as well as more problems at and after birth. Children who grow up around smokers are sick more often than children of non-smokers.

Health professionals generally advise pregnant women to try to eliminate or cut back on caffeine -- found in coffee, tea, chocolate, colas and coffee liqueurs -- tobacco and liquor during pregnancy.

Most people know that street drugs like cocaine can seriously harm a fetus. But many people don't know that prescription drugs and many non-prescription medications can also affect the fetus. If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, ask a doctor or pharmacist about the possible effects of a drug -- even something as simple as a pain killer or antacid -- before you take it.

For more information, you can call a local Planned Parenthood organization or Public Health Unit