Congratulations, you are expecting! Planning for a new baby is an exciting time. Whether this is your first child or not, you will be happily anticipating the arrival of your new son or daughter. It is essential that you make health choices during your pregnancy. Healthy habits are important for the baby and also for you!



Hopefully you do not already smoke because it is not good for the baby or for you. If you do smoke, take steps to quit immediately. Never drink alcohol or use any type of illegal drugs while you are pregnant. Both are very hazardous to the health of your unborn baby.

During pregnancy it is critical that you eat well. We should all be healthy eaters all of the time. However, it is especially important to the growth and well being of the little one growing inside of you when you are pregnant. Ask your doctor or midwife about some healthy eating plans during your pregnancy. You will neat to eat more calories and in some instances more servings of certain foods when you are pregnant. Try to follow these guidelines as best as possible. This can be difficult in the beginning of your pregnancy when you are experiencing morning sickness. However, you must still eat as well as you can when you can. If at anytime you cannot keep foods or liquids down for more than 24 hours, consult your physician.

Follow your health care provider's instructions throughout pregnancy. Take your prenatal vitamins each day. If this is difficult due to morning sickness, discuss your options with your doctor. Sometimes they will suggest you take chewable multi-vitamins with a little better flavor until your stomach is a little calmer. Some women become anemic during pregnancy. Your doctor may decide you should take iron supplements. If this is suggested to you follow their instructions. Remember your doctors and midwifes are there to help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible for you and your baby.

Remember there are not dumb questions in life. If you have a question for your doctor, ask! Discuss any concerns with your doctor as well. You may have a symptom during your pregnancy that scares you. Do not be shy to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Also keep an eye out for warning signs during pregnancy. Your doctors will normally discuss these signs with you so you know what to look for.

Keep all your prenatal appointments. If you need to cancel an appointment, make every effort to reschedule. These appointments are an opportunity for your doctors to evaluate how your pregnancy is progressing. When there are problems or potential problems, they can begin working right way to help you and your baby. Your prenatal appointments also provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss anything that is on your mind about your pregnancy.

You can even exercise some while you are pregnant. If you are going to do any form of exercise, discuss this with your physician first to make sure it is safe. Some exercises are not a good idea for pregnant women. Also if you are having certain complications your doctor may advise against exercising. You shouldn't do ?hard core? exercising like you may have before becoming pregnant. However, you can still take part in low impact exercising. For example, you can still have a walking routine.

Be good to yourself when you are pregnant. Get the rest that you need. If you are tired in the middle of the day and you are able to take a nap, do so! Try to listen to what your body is telling you. Be willing to pamper yourself a little. Allow your spouse or partner to pamper your some too. Keep up with your healthy habits even after your baby is born!