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Alto Pharmacy is thrilled to announce that The Honorable Alex M. Azar II, the 24th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has joined our board of advisors. Read more here.

Alto Welcomes Secretary Alex M. Azar II to Board of Advisors

Alto Pharmacy is thrilled to announce that The Honorable Alex M. Azar II, the 24th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has joined our board of advisors. 

Since its formation in 2020, the Alto board of advisors has provided the company with strategic guidance and helped ensure that our efforts are both impactful and efficient, with services grounded in the highest standards of operational excellence. Secretary Azar brings deep experience in both public health and the private sector, and his personal commitment to the health of all Americans mirrors Alto’s mission and focus on patient outcomes. 

During his tenure as Secretary, Secretary Azar led the historic transformation of the healthcare system in the United States and the HHS’s response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. He was the architect of Operation Warp Speed, delivering COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics in record time, and led a team of more than 85,000 employees. Among many other accomplishments, Secretary Azar drove efforts to reduce drug prices, increase private insurance options, bring transparency of price and quality information to healthcare, expand telehealth, enable healthcare provider collaborative care models and remove regulatory barriers to low-cost, high-quality care. 

He has also played significant roles on the global health stage and championing the U.S.’s global health security efforts, including representing the U.S. in the World Health Assembly, working with the WHO to end Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, chairing the most active G7 health ministerial in history in 2020, and convening and leading western hemisphere coordinated efforts to assist with the Venezuelan refugee crisis.

In addition to his public sector work, Secretary Azar served for ten years at Eli Lilly and Company, including five years as president of Lilly USA, LLC, its largest affiliate. He serves on several corporate and advisory boards and is a part-time Adjunct Professor of Business and Senior Executive-in-Residence at the University of Miami Herbert Business School. 

“Alto is honored to welcome Secretary Alex M. Azar II to our board of advisors,” said Alicia Boler Davis, CEO of Alto Pharmacy. “Secretary Azar is one of the most tenured experts in public and private healthcare, and his career-long commitment to improving public health perfectly reflects our top founding value – to put patients first. We are grateful for his service and are excited to leverage his deep experience and learnings as we continue to grow.” 

“Alto’s commitment to its mission of fulfilling medicine’s true purpose — to improve quality of life — for everyone who needs it sets it apart from other pharmacies,” said Secretary Azar. “I’ve dedicated my career to developing solutions for providing and enhancing healthcare outcomes for all, and I look forward to working with the Alto team and the board of advisors to continue doing just that.

Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) typically include injectable medications. If you’re anxious about self-administering your injections, you’re not alone. Nerves are common, especially the first few times.

Knowing what to expect often makes the process easier to navigate. To help you feel confident in following your treatment plan, we’ve compiled important information about the two types of injections commonly used during a cycle: subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. Here’s what to know.

The Difference Between Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injections During IVF

Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) typically include injectable medications. If you’re anxious about self-administering your injections, you’re not alone. Nerves are common, especially the first few times.

Knowing what to expect often makes the process easier to navigate. To help you feel confident in following your treatment plan, we’ve compiled important information about the two types of injections commonly used during a cycle: subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. Here’s what to know.

The majority of fertility medications are administered as subcutaneous injections. In this technique, a medication is injected into a layer of tissue between your skin and muscle.

Subcutaneous injections differ from intramuscular injections in several key ways:

Injection site: The most common subcutaneous injection site for fertility medication is in the lower abdomen, at least one to two inches away from your navel. The front of your thigh is another potential option. In both cases, the medication can be easily injected into the fatty tissue beneath the skin without the risk of being injected into the muscle.

Injection supplies: The needle used for subcutaneous injections is shorter and thinner than the one used for an intramuscular injection. Needle thickness ranges from 27 gauge to 31 gauge. (Thickness is inversely related to the size of the gauge, so a smaller gauge corresponds to a thicker needle and a larger gauge corresponds to a thinner needle.) The length can range from 0.3” to 0.5”.

In addition to fertility medications, these medications are also administered as subcutaneous injections:

How to administer a subcutaneous injection

1. Clean the injection site with an alcohol pad and allow the area to air dry.

2. Use your non-dominant hand to grasp a one to two-inch fold of skin between your thumb and index finger at the injection site.

3. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand like a pencil, and insert the entire length of the needle into the pinched skin at a 90-degree angle. You can insert the needle at a 45-degree angle if you have less fat on your body.

4. Push on the plunger in a slow and steady motion until all of the medication is injected. When done, release the pinched skin and gently withdraw the needle.

5. Discard the used needle and syringe into your sharps container.

You may see a small drop of liquid come out of the injection site. This is normal and not cause for concern. You can wipe it with gauze or a tissue if necessary.

Your fertility medication protocol may include intramuscular injections, which deliver a medication into your muscle. This technique is also commonly used for many vaccines.

Progesterone, a “transfer medication” that supports successful embryo implantation in IVF, is a good example of a fertility medication commonly administered as an intramuscular injection, though there are other progesterone formulations that can be used vaginally or orally.

Intramuscular injections differ from subcutaneous injections in several key ways:

Injection site: In this technique, a medication is injected deep into a muscle. The upper, outer part of the buttocks is the most common intramuscular injection site for fertility medications. (This can be difficult to reach when self-injecting — we have tips below to help!)

Injection supplies: The needle used for intramuscular injections is longer and thicker than the one used for a subcutaneous injection. Needle thickness ranges from 18 gauge to 25 gauge. (Thickness is inversely related to the size of the gauge, so a smaller gauge corresponds to a thicker needle and a larger gauge corresponds to a thinner needle.) The length can range from 1” to 2” depending on your body mass index (BMI).

In addition to fertility medications and vaccines, these medications are also administered as intramuscular injections:

Some hormones, including testosterone and contraceptive hormones

How to administer an intramuscular injection

2. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand between your thumb and fingers, as if you were holding a pen.

3. Firmly stretch the skin at the injection site with your thumb and index finger on your non-dominant hand.

4. Insert the entire length of the needle into the stretched skin at a 90-degree angle with one swift motion, similar to a dart.

5. Stabilize the syringe with your free hand and pull back slightly on the plunger. If you see blood return, do not inject the medication and withdraw the needle. Remove the needle and change to a new one. Repeat the injection process at another injection site.

6. If there is no blood return, the needle is inserted properly and you can slowly inject the medication.

7. Push on the plunger in a slow and steady motion until all of the medication is injected. When done, quickly withdraw the needle and dispose of the used needle and syringe into the sharps container.

8. Apply pressure to the injection site with gauze or a tissue. You may see some light bleeding.

9. Gently massage the skin afterwards to reduce discomfort and help your body absorb the medication.

Injection site reactions are one of the most common side effects during IVF, and you should expect to experience some soreness, redness, or bruising at the site of injection. This reaction will typically resolve itself within a few days.

If you are self-administering an intramuscular injection, ice the skin beforehand to keep soreness and bruising to a minimum. Massaging the area afterwards can help reduce soreness. For medications injected daily, such as progesterone, using a light heating pad after the injection can also alleviate discomfort.

Icing is not necessary for subcutaneous injections.

Intramuscular injections are typically administered in the upper, outer part of the buttocks. Since this can be difficult to reach, consider asking for assistance from your partner, a friend, or a family member. If you need to self-inject, try standing in front of a mirror for a better view of the injection site. You can also ask a nurse or another clinic staff member to circle the injection site on your body so that you can find it more easily.

With both injection techniques, it is best practice to rotate the injection site.

Want personalized injection guides at your fingertips?

Alto is more than just a pharmacy — we’re a partner in your fertility journey, and we offer a variety of resources to ensure that you’re never alone in navigating treatment.

In our injection guide videos, experienced pharmacists from our fertility team walk you through the entire process, from preparation to proper injection technique and safe sharps disposal. And you won’t have to sift through dozens of videos: as an Alto customer, you have your own unique playlist in the app, with videos for your specific medications.

Interested in learning more about how Alto can support your treatment? Request a price quote online or reach out through in-app messaging.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Antiviral medications have fueled many medical breakthroughs since they were first introduced in the 1960s to treat viruses. Not only are they currently helping to reduce severe cases of covid-19 and related hospitalizations, they have also made HIV a manageable chronic condition — and that’s only to name a few examples of the role they play in healthcare.

How Do Antiviral Medications Work?

Antiviral medications have fueled many medical breakthroughs since they were first introduced in the 1960s to treat viruses. Not only are they currently helping to reduce severe cases of Covid-19 and related hospitalizations, they have also made HIV a manageable chronic condition — and that’s only to name a few examples of the role they play in healthcare.

Take a look at how these medications treat and prevent viruses like Covid, the flu, HIV, hepatitis, and more. 

A virus is a germ that causes an illness. It cannot survive on its own. In order to replicate and spread, it must infect healthy cells in your body.

Well-known diseases caused by viruses include:

Viruses are distinct from bacteria. While antibiotics are highly effective at ending infections caused by bacteria, they cannot work on viruses. This is why the creation of antivirals was such an important medical advancement.

Antiviral medications help your body fight a virus by disrupting the infectious agent’s replication process. They function differently depending on which virus they’re targeting. When used to treat the flu or Covid, for instance, they can reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the infection.

When treating chronic illnesses like HIV or herpes, antivirals cannot permanently end the infection. Rather, they lower the amount of the virus in your body — also referred to as your viral load — to control symptoms and prevent transmission.

When taken as prescribed every day, the antivirals used to treat HIV can help those with the condition maintain an undetectable viral load. This stops the progression of the illness and virtually eliminates the risk of transmitting it to others.

While they are not a substitute for vaccines, antivirals can also be used as a preventative measure against some viruses, as explained in more detail below.

The majority of antivirals are oral medications, but they can also be taken as an injection, intravenously, topically, or even as eye drops or an inhalant.

Many antivirals can safely be used by children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. Guidelines vary by medication. Consult with your provider about whether a specific antiviral is an option for you.

The duration and starting point of antiviral treatment varies by virus.

Tamiflu® and Paxlovid®, which treat the flu and Covid, respectively, are typically prescribed for several days. In some cases, it’s necessary to take them for a week or more.

These medications are most effective if taken within two days of infection. However, it may still be beneficial to take them after two days, especially if you are at risk for complications.

The following factors may increase your risk of complications from the flu and/or Covid.

Respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Weakened immunity from illness or medications

Age - adults 65 and older and children under two are most vulnerable

The antivirals used to treat the Ebola virus — Inmazeb® and Ebanga® — are administered as a single intravenous infusion.

When used to treat chronic conditions such as HIV, hepatitis B or C, or herpes, antivirals must be taken on an ongoing basis, even in the absence of symptoms.

If you have received a diagnosis of a chronic condition caused by a virus, it’s important to begin treatment as quickly as possible to protect your health and others.

Some antiviral medications can protect against viral infections after potential exposure. PEP, or post exposure prophylaxis, is a medication taken within 72 hours of potential exposure to HIV to lower a person’s chances of contracting the virus. There are other medications that work similarly after potential exposure to the flu.

Antivirals may also be prescribed for individuals with HIV during pregnancy to prevent transmission from mother to baby. The baby will also likely receive antiviral treatment after it is born.

While some antivirals can prevent a person from getting infected by a virus after potential exposure, they are not a substitute for vaccines, which offer ongoing protection against viruses. 

Additionally, while other antivirals reduce the severity of symptoms, vaccines are even more of a safeguard against virus-related health complications, as they prevent the initial infection altogether.

Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need. For detailed vaccine recommendations by age group, reference the CDC’s recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents and adults.

Managing any chronic condition is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists have deep expertise in HIV treatment and prevention and can help you get started and stay on track with antiretroviral therapy as well as the preventative medication PrEP.

We will coordinate with your healthcare and insurance providers to ensure that you’re receiving the best option for your needs at the best price. Our pharmacists are also available to chat whenever questions come up about side effects or how to take your medication properly.

Reach out any time through in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Take a look at how antiviral medications treat and prevent viruses like covid, the flu, HIV, hepatitis, and more. Read on here.

The lungs are one of our most essential organs — and one of the easiest to take for granted. If you aren’t living with respiratory problems or at risk of developing them, you might not give your lungs too much attention.

Why Everyone Should Be Thinking About Lung Health

But the truth is that anyone should keep lung health top of mind, for several reasons. First, your lungs become weaker as you age, like many other parts of the body, and the actions you take today can help you breathe easier for years to come. Secondly, while most of us are aware that smoking damages your lungs, we don’t always think about other risk factors for lung disease, many of which are all around us.

Fortunately, small actions can make a big impact when it comes to lung health — including many healthy habits that fit easily into your day. Here are some important steps to take.

Okay, you probably expected this one, but there’s a reason it’s at the top of our list. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of both lung cancer — the leading cause of cancer death among U.S. adults — and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Cigarette smoke harms the lungs in several ways. It narrows the airways, causes swelling and inflammation, and gradually damages lung tissue over time.

Smoking cessation is the most important thing you can do to maintain good lung health, and it is never too late (or too early) to quit. If you’re living with COPD, quitting smoking can slow the progression of the condition. Research has found that many people with early-stage COPD are able to regain near-normal lung function after quitting tobacco use.

If you’re having difficulty quitting, don’t be discouraged. It often takes multiple attempts. Ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources, like nicotine replacement therapy, to support your efforts.

2. Avoid exposure to indoor and outdoor pollutants

Avoid secondhand smoke and other indoor pollutants as much as possible. Radon, a naturally occurring gas that can get trapped in houses and buildings, is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Many homes and office buildings have unsafe levels of radon. Testing is necessary to determine radon levels. Testing kits are available online and at many hardware stores.

In addition, be mindful of potential exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens including uranium, diesel exhaust, and workplace chemicals.

Read How to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home for more tips

Many pollutants are found in outdoor air, and climate change continues to negatively impact outdoor air quality. There are resources that share information about local daily air quality. Stay up to date and avoid outdoor exercise when air quality is poor.

The benefits of regular physical activity include not only stronger muscles, but also stronger lungs. This is because exercise forces your lungs to work harder to provide your body with additional oxygen. Over time, your lungs will get into better shape as they become more efficient at this task.

While there’s a common misconception that COPD prevents exercise, physical activity is an essential part of managing the condition. Check in with your doctor about which activities are appropriate for your lung function and stage of COPD.

Bonus tip: in addition to aerobic exercise, practice breathing exercises that also boost lung health. Diaphragmatic breathing, which involves inhaling more deeply, can increase your lung capacity. (The technique is practiced by many professional singers precisely for this reason.) To give it a try, place your hands on your stomach and chest, and slowly inhale through your nose while your stomach expands.

A strong immune system and typical flu season precautions can protect against lung infection. To stay healthy, practice good hygiene, like frequently washing hands with soap and warm water and sanitizing high-touch surfaces.

Staying up to date with vaccines is another crucial step. Health experts recommend getting the flu shot every year, ideally by the end of October. This is especially important for those who are 65 or older and/or living with COPD.

5. Attend regular doctor’s appointments

Lung diseases are often detected after they have progressed to a more advanced stage. Attend regular physicals so that your provider can listen to your breathing and address any concerns you may have about your lung health.

Depending on your health history, your prevention efforts may include getting a lung cancer screening, which can detect 80% of lung cancer cases at an early stage. These screenings are typically reserved for individuals at a high risk of lung cancer, including those who:

Ask your doctor if lung cancer screening is recommended for you.

The pharmacy that’s always on your side

At Alto, we go above and beyond to help you stay on track with your doctor’s recommendations, getting you the medication you need at the best price possible. And our pharmacists are here to chat whenever questions come up.

Switch to a better pharmacy for free same-day delivery and support with insurance and savings opportunities. Reach out any time through in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

Why Everyone Should Be Thinking About Lung Health 

Pneumonia is a lung infection in which the air sacs in both or one of the lungs are inflamed, leading to difficulty breathing and other symptoms including a cough, fever, and chills. There is a wide spectrum of severity of pneumonia cases — symptoms can range from mild to much more critical. Infants, young children, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are among the most vulnerable to complications.

Read on for a closer look at symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What to Know About Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection in which the air sacs in both or one of the lungs are inflamed, leading to difficulty breathing and other symptoms including a cough, fever, and chills. There is a wide spectrum of severity of pneumonia cases — symptoms can range from mild to much more critical. Infants, young children, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are among the most vulnerable to complications.

Read on for a closer look at symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

There are several types of pneumonia, categorized by cause. The three main types are bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia, and mycoplasma pneumonia.

Bacterial pneumonia is the most common — and often the most serious — type of pneumonia. It may be caused by various bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae. It typically develops when the body has been weakened by illness, age, or impaired immune system functioning, which allows the bacteria to enter your lungs.

The following factors can increase a person’s risk for bacterial pneumonia:

Having an existing respiratory disease or viral infection

Viral pneumonia accounts for about a third of all pneumonia cases. It may be caused by various viruses, including the flu.

This less common form of pneumonia — also referred to as atypical pneumonia or walking pneumonia — is caused by the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterium. Symptoms are typically mild.

Symptoms vary by pneumonia type. Bacterial pneumonia is typically the most severe and requires medical care more frequently than viral pneumonia. Common symptoms may include:

Rapidly increased breathing and heart rate

Bluish lips or nail beds due to low oxygen in the blood

These symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly.

Viral pneumonia symptoms typically develop over the course of several days. Initial symptoms often resemble those of the flu, including:

These symptoms often intensify within several days. Later symptoms may include:

If you suspect that you or your child may have pneumonia, it’s important to seek medical care right away rather than waiting for symptoms to become more noticeable. If you are in one of the more vulnerable groups — over 65 or immunocompromised, for example — seeking medical attention is even more critical due to the possibility of complications.

A doctor may be able to diagnose pneumonia based on your health history and a physical exam. The diagnosis process can also include one or more of the following tests:

A chest X-ray, which shows the severity of inflammation in the lungs

Blood tests, which can confirm the infection and identify the underlying cause

A sputum culture, or a mucus sample, which also helps identify the cause of the infection

A pulse oximetry, which measures how much oxygen is in your blood

A chest CT scan, which shows a better view of the lungs and can identify potential complications. This is most commonly used for individuals who may be more vulnerable to complications.

A bronchoscopy, a procedure that offers a view into the airways of the lungs. It is often reserved for more severe or treatment-resistant cases.

Pneumonia treatment can help end the infection and prevent related health complications. The specific course of treatment your doctor recommends will depend on which type of pneumonia you have, the severity of your symptoms, and your personal health history.

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. These medications cure bacteria-caused infections by either killing the bacteria or keeping the bacteria from growing.

The most effective antibiotic to treat bacterial pneumonia depends on your age and health history. These are some of the most commonly prescribed:

Amoxicillin and clavulanate (Augmentin®)

If you are prescribed an antibiotic, it’s important to take it for the full duration. Though you may feel better within a few days of treatment, stopping the medication prematurely can cause the infection to return.

If your pneumonia was caused by a virus, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), or peramivir (Rapivab®). These medications help your body fight off the virus, reducing symptoms and shortening the duration of the infection.

Not all cases of viral pneumonia require antiviral treatment, however, and symptoms can often be managed by:

Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) to control a fever

Consuming an adequate amount of fluids to loosen phlegm

Drinking warm beverages and using a humidifier to help open the airways in your lungs

In addition, allow your body to get as much rest as possible and avoid any form of cigarette smoke, including secondhand smoke.

Always consult your doctor before taking cough medicines to treat pneumonia symptoms, as coughing helps your body clear the infection. If your cough is interfering with your sleep, your doctor can recommend appropriate ways to manage it.

More severe cases of pneumonia, especially bacterial pneumonia, may require hospitalization. If you are hospitalized for pneumonia, you may receive oxygen therapy or intravenous medications, including antibiotics. Your treatment may also include breathing exercises that can loosen the fluids in your lungs.

Individuals with heart conditions or respiratory conditions.

Staying on track with immunizations is one of the most impactful steps you can take to prevent pneumonia. Since the flu is a common cause of viral pneumonia, getting your annual flu shot can also protect your lungs from infection.

The pneumococcal vaccine offers protection against a common type of bacterial pneumonia. This vaccine is especially important for children under the age of five, adults ages 65 and older, and people with certain health conditions that increase the risk of pneumonia complications such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Check with your doctor about which vaccines you need.

Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about your medications, and we offer free same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

A healthy pregnancy begins well in advance of trying to conceive. Preconception health planning sets you up to feel your best while growing a baby, allowing you to work towards health goals and manage preexisting conditions that could potentially result in complications.

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

It can also help you make any necessary changes to your treatment plan — for example, if you take a medication that is considered unsafe during pregnancy, your doctor can help you safely transition to an alternative.

Below, we break down some of the most important steps to take as you focus on your health and wellness while building or growing your family.

1. Consult your doctor about your health history

As you begin to plan for a baby, schedule a doctor’s appointment to identify any health issues that can impact pregnancy — whether it’s your first, second, third, or fourth.

While chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, and asthma are sometimes linked to pregnancy complications, you can prevent health challenges during pregnancy by staying proactive about treatment. For those with diabetes, this means working with your provider to maintain healthy blood sugar levels before trying to conceive. The same goes for hypertension and blood pressure levels.

Read Navigating Pregnancy With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Be sure to discuss any past pregnancy complications, if relevant. Experiencing certain complications in a first pregnancy can increase your risk of having them again in a later pregnancy. These complications include:

This does not mean that a recurrence is inevitable. Proactively managing your risk before and during pregnancy is the most important thing you can do to prevent these complications.

You should also share any health issues that you experienced during postpartum, including mental health challenges.

Changing a medication regimen or treatment plan

A pre-pregnancy care checkup is also an opportunity to discuss potential changes to your treatment plan. Bring all medications you are currently taking with you to this appointment, including vitamins and herbal remedies.

Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. Many medications cannot be abruptly discontinued and require you to slowly titrate, or taper off, over a period of time

It is recommended to focus on preconception health at least three months prior to pregnancy. However, everyone has unique health needs, and you may need more time to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Try, as much as possible, to be patient and give your body the time and space it needs.

2. Get all recommended vaccines and screenings

At the beginning of your family building journey, ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for your age. Certain infections or illnesses can cause birth defects or pregnancy complications. Many of these can be prevented with vaccines. And since illness-fighting antibodies can pass through the placenta, vaccinated individuals can pass along immunity to their growing baby in the womb.

It’s important to stay up to date since the recommended timing of vaccines varies. Not all can be given during pregnancy while others can. Your doctor can clarify which vaccines are recommended before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after delivery. (Two of the most important vaccines for pregnant women, the flu vaccine and the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), can be safely administered during pregnancy.)

Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, HPV, and viral hepatitis can cause pregnancy complications and harm a developing fetus. Fortunately, treatment can prevent transmission to a baby. Screening for these infections is a critical step in planning for a healthy pregnancy.

3. Take steps to live your healthiest life

In the months before trying to conceive, revisit your health habits and make any changes to your routine or lifestyle that can support the healthiest pregnancy possible. There are several key areas to focus on.

Several nutrients are especially important to consume in the months before pregnancy. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day for at least a month before pregnancy through the first trimester. This important nutrient supports a baby’s growth and development and can prevent certain birth defects.

Depending on your health history and previous pregnancies, your provider may advise you to increase your intake of folic acid with an additional supplement.

(You can add prenatal vitamins to your next Alto delivery!)

Calcium helps build a developing fetus’s bones and teeth. Dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt are the primary sources of calcium, but you can also get this nutrient from other sources including:

If you are concerned about your calcium intake, ask your doctor about calcium supplements.

Iron also helps support a healthy pregnancy. Some prenatal vitamins include iron. It can also be found in the following iron-rich foods:

In addition, be sure to eat foods that support your body’s absorption of iron, including the following fruits and veggies, which are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene:

If you have anemia, your doctor may recommend additional iron supplements.

An omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is important for fetal growth and development. It can be found in some foods such as fatty fish. Depending on your diet, your doctor may recommend taking supplemental DHA before and during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Some prenatal vitamins contain DHA, but not all, so be sure to check the ingredient list.

Since heavy caffeine consumption can affect fertility, it is recommended to reduce your intake to 200-300 mg per day.

Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, incorporating some muscle-strengthening exercises.

Being underweight or overweight can cause health issues during pregnancy. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight in the months before trying to conceive. Your provider is an important resource and can advise you on whether your weight may impact your pregnancy.

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using certain drugs — including misusing prescription medication — can cause serious health issues during pregnancy like preterm birth and birth defects. When planning for a future pregnancy, do not be afraid to ask for any support needed to give up harmful behaviors. Your provider can offer resources. 

It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke during pregnancy.

Genetics are a factor in your baby’s health and the progression of your pregnancy. Prior to pregnancy, discuss your family’s health history as well as your partner’s with your provider. This allows them to identify any genetic risk factors.

Some couples and individuals may be referred to a genetic specialist for reasons such as the following:

Blog

Alto Welcomes Secretary Alex M. Azar II to Board of Advisors

The Difference Between Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injections During IVF

How Do Antiviral Medications Work?

Why Everyone Should Be Thinking About Lung Health

What to Know About Pneumonia

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

A Guide to Traveling During Fertility Treatment

Treatment and Prevention of Asthma Attacks

A Guide to Traveling With Asthma

5 Misconceptions About COPD

Traveling With Diabetes: How to Prepare

Managing Type 2 Diabetes at Any Age

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