by Suzanne Wesley

Created on: November 01, 2006   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

Believe it or not - in up to 9 months it will seem odd NOT to worry about every day decisions regarding your food or over the counter medicines. If you are not yet pregnant, but want to be, now is the time to begin taking a folic acid supplement. (Continue to take this until you are pregnant and begin taking prenatal vitamins that have extra folic acid in them.)

Especially during the first trimester, doctors are very wary about pregnant women taking any medications. You may be used to taking that Aleve for your headache, but once you know you are pregnant you have to examine every label to see if it is safe for pregnant women... After about week 14 a few medications are supposed to be harmless to the unborn child - but check with your doctor to see if he has a list of such medications and what he/she recommends.

Caffeine intake during pregnancy is much debated. Some doctors feel you should completely rid yourself of caffeine during the pregnancy while others will allow you a limit of 1-2 small cups of coffee per day. Read up on the advantages and disadvantages and talk with your personal doctor.

Smoking, alcohol and drugs are NOT debatable. Pregnant woman are taking extreme risks with their own health and the health of their unborn child by continuing to indulge in any of the three during their pregnancy.

You are not actually eating for two people - at least, not two adult people. Continue to eat moderate portions, but eat healthy foods and take healthy snacks with you that you will eat more often than normal throughout the day.

Drink plenty of water. Yes, even though you may now have to use the restroom every 15 minutes you have to drink more water!

Avoid eating a lot of salt. I fell prey to the ease of frozen meals during my pregnancy. I believed them to be healthy with vegetables etc. that my unborn needed, but many frozen foods also include a high amount of sodium. Check the box when you buy them - many have far more sodium than those french fries or chips you may be craving. Sodium helps increase swelling during pregnancy!

Also, avoid lifting heavy objects (over 10 or 20 lbs depending on who you ask). I'm trying to figure out how women do this if this is your second baby and the first doesn't walk well yet?

Try to rest often and avoid as much stress as possible. If you are a "yes" person who has trouble saying "no" to volunteer work etc. - now is the time to practice saying "no" more often before the baby is here. Even if you feel fine now, you may not sleep well by Wednesday nights event due to bathroom breaks, back pain, leg cramps etc. Free up your schedule to allow for sleeplessness and days you may need to have less stress.

By taking care of your health you are giving the baby the best possible start.
Take time for yourself and do whatever relaxes you as often as you can.

Best of luck!

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