It seems like there are a lot of "do's and don'ts" to learn about when preparing for pregnancy. However, learning about these things can help eliminate potential risk to you and your unborn child.

Some of these "dont's" are important to deal with immediately, such as infections or sexually transmitted diseases, even if you aren't planning to become pregnant right away.

Infections

Many infections during pregnancy can be dangerous to an unborn child. You'll want to be screened for urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases before you become pregnant. These conditions can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics. Untreated urinary tract infections can cause prematurity and sexually transmitted diseases can cause birth defects. Sometimes a woman may not know that she has an STD, so screening before pregnancy is important.

Cat litter

Cat litter and raw meat may contain the parasite Toxoplasma gondi, which can cause toxoplasmosis infection that could cause harm to a baby. While you're preparing for pregnancy, get someone else to change the cat's litter box and eat your meet cooked well done.

Soft Cheese

If there's any possibility that you may be pregnant, be aware that certain soft cheeses can be contaminated with a bacteria called Listeria that could harm your baby. Avoid Mexican-style cheeses, feta, goat cheese, Brie, Camembert and blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort.

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