• Avoiding smoking and, as much as possible, secondhand smoke.

  • Avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs.

  • Taking a prenatal multivitamin before conception and throughout the pregnancy. Most prenatal vitamins include folic acid (folate), a B-vitamin known to help prevent certain birth defects.

  • Only taking medication (both prescription and over-the-counter) with a physician’s approval.

  • Eating a nutritious diet.