Here are some tips to keep healthy during your pregnancy:
Schedule your first prenatal visit with your practitioner when you're about nine weeks along. Plan
on seeing your practitioner every four weeks.
Avoid alcohol, drugs and cigarettes.
If your immunizations are not up to date, let your practitioner know.
Drink lots of fluids, especially water (8 to 10 glasses a day).
Stick to a diet naturally high in folic acid (oranges, melons and dark green vegetables).
Eat plenty of iron-rich foods (whole grains, beans, raisins and nuts).
Keep your blood sugar level elevated by eating lots of high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods such
as breads, brown rice, potatoes and cheese.
As a general rule, avoid medication and consult with your doctor before taking any.
Get plenty of sleep, and try to nap if you feel tired during the day.
Exercise, but moderately. Don't start a new exercise regimen when you're pregnant, and be careful not
to become overheated for prolonged periods.
If you're a coffee drinker, cut back, switch to decaf or try herbal or decaffeinated tea.
If your family has a history of genetic disorders, consider prenatal testing.
Start budgeting for your new life with baby.
Choose a place to give birth (hospital? birthing center? home?).
Consider starting a pregnancy diary and having someone take a picture of you (and your expanding belly)
each month.
Refrain from getting perms, dyes and other hair treatments involving heavy chemicals.
buy a few pregnancy books and dive in.
