Eating a healthier, well-balanced diet will boost your overall health and—once you conceive—provide your baby with the vitamins and minerals necessary for development.

Folic acid prevents the serious birth defect called spina bifida—a baby born with a spine that is not closed. Eat food items, such as bread, and breakfast cereal, which are fortified with folic acid to help women of childbearing age reduce risk of this birth defect.

Alcohol has been linked to premature delivery, mental retardation, birth defects and low-birth-weight babies. Smoking can decrease the likelihood of conception and increase the risk of preterm labor and low birth weight.

If you're taking a medication for a chronic condition, talk to your doctor. Some medications are considered safe during pregnancy. Others are known to potentially raise the risk of birth defects. Medication such as aspirin, aspirin compounds (Anacin, Bayer, Bufferin) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Rufen) can cause a decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid and cause closure of the ductus arteriosa, an important blood vessel in the baby. Talk to your doctor about any medication related issue.

Illegal drugs such as cocaine use can be detrimental and life-threatening to both mother and baby.

Get your teeth cleaned regularly to control gum disease. If you need other dental work, get it done before getting pregnant. In fact, your gums are likely to bleed more during pregnancy since your body is generating more blood flow.

At least three months before trying to get pregnant, women should see either a doctor or midwife for preconception counseling, which helps women to know the steps they must take to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Caffeine may affect blood flow to the uterus, which could affect the developing fetus. So limit caffeine to no more than 300mg daily—about two eight-ounce cups of coffee a day. Also, be take care that you're not getting additional caffeine in soft drinks, tea or chocolate.

Obesity is associated with many complications, because it greatly increases a woman's risk of developing high blood sugar and diabetes—either before they get pregnant or during their pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor about this. It's also important to share with your doctor your family history.

Finally, stress is difficult to avoid, but exercise, getting plenty of sleep, and developing a good support system can help reduce stress.