Certain Seafood

Cooked seafood is fine while pregnant, but avoid any fish,clams, mussels and oysters that are raw or undercooked.

What To Avoid

These foods may contain bacteria that can harm your baby. Don't eat even a little bit, since it could be dangerous to your baby's health.

-Raw seafood
-Unpasteurized milk
-Soft cheeses

An Extra 300

Be sure you are eating enough. Pregnancy itself requires you to boost you caloric intake by an additional 300 calories per day. Exercise on top of being pregnant really increases your calorie needs. Bottom line: Listen to your body. If you are hungry, eat. Low-fat choices are best so as not to overdo it.

Choline

Skimping on choline during pregnancy can lead to damaged brain development in the fetus. Be sure to eat choline-rich foods, such as eggs, beef, and dairy products.

Enough Fluids

To be sure that you are drinking enough fluids(preferably water) look at the color of your urine. It should be almost clear. But check it before you take your vitamin, because they change your urine color.

Take A Walk!

Walking is an excellent way to tone muscles as well as build up your endurance. Most doctors will suggest a walking regimen of 30 minutes a day, three times a week.

It is important not to over exert yourself, and do not push yourself past exhaustion. Short walks, set at a regular pace are perfect during pregnancy.

Injury Prone

During pregnancy, your body is getting itself ready for the birthing process. Included in this preparation is releasing a hormone called relaxin. It helps loosen the pelvis so the baby will more easily pass through. The adverse effects of this is that all your joints are more lax. Thus, you are more prone to injuries. Avoid rocky terrain or unstable ground when on foot or bike. It would be in your best interest to purchase shoes that provide you with a lot of support. (You are also more likely to fall due to your new "figure".)

Heat Warning

If the temperature outside is extremely hot, exercise indoors. You do not want your core body temperature to reach dangerous levels. This will definitely have adverse effects on the fetus, especially during the first trimester.

Weight Training

If you wish to continue or begin weight training while pregnant, keep the weight light. First, you do not need to strain which can dangerously increase your blood pressure. Second, if the weight is too heavy you will be more likely to hold your breath while lifting. This, again, can increase your blood pressure but also decreases the oxygen supply to the fetus. Lastly, your joints are lax as a result of the hormone relaxin thus heavy weights are likely to cause you to injure yourself.

Things To Avoid When Exercising

The key to a great exercise routine is moderation, but, during pregnancy, there are several other key factors to consider:

*After the fourth month of pregnancy, it is important to stay off of your back, not only when sleeping, but when exercising as well. By laying on your back, the uterus puts pressure on the vena cava. This can drastically reduce the blood flow and oxygen to the fetus.

*Don´t overdo it. It sounds simple enough, but, during pregnancy it is very important. Letting yourself get over heated or over exhausted can cause harm to you and your baby.

*Watch that pulse! The recommended pulse rate during exercise is 140.

*Watch your balance! During pregnancy, the center of gravity changes, especially as the uterus grows. When exercising be careful not to perform exercises that could cause you to fall over.

When You May Need To Limit Exercise

In normal pregnancies, exercise is safe and often recommended. However, some complications during pregnancy may cause you to limit your exercise or, stop it altogether:

*Vaginal Bleeding
*High Blood Pressure
*Placental Problems
*Heart Palpitations
*Premature Labor
*Incompetent Cervix

It is always important to keep your doctor informed of your exercise routine. He or she will decide whether continuing an exercise routine is safe for both you and baby.

When To Avoid Exercise

If you should develop high blood pressure during your pregnancy, it is probably best to put your exercise program on hold. Exercise in this instance can actually worsen the condition. ALWAYS check with your doctor, throughout your entire pregnancy. Let him/her know you are exercising.

Exercise Precautions

Your body will send out natural signals. If your body is telling you to slow down, listen to it! Under no conditions should you exercise to the point of exhaustion. Your body has a job to do and that job is to get adequate oxygen to the growing fetus. If you feel breathless, then your body cannot supply the fetus the oxygen it needs. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS! - before, during, and after exercise!