(HealthDay News) -- Taking steps to better your health before you or your partner becomes pregnant can help ensure a healthier pregnancy.

The womenshealth.gov website offers this preconception advice:

• Take a daily supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms to 800 micrograms of folic acid.
• Quit drinking alcohol and smoking.
• Make sure any chronic health condition, such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy or obesity, is well-controlled.
• Get any necessary vaccinations.
• Discuss any over-the-counter or prescription medications that you're taking with your doctor.
• Stay away from toxic substances.
• Avoid animal feces that could lead to infection.