Healthy Lifestyle Habits and Exercise During Pregnancy

What You Should Eat Healthy Eating During Pregnancy

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

• See your health care provider as soon as you think you are pregnant and throughout your pregnancy.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods.
• Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and over-the-counter medications. Discuss all other medication with your health care provider.
• Keep physically active.
• Get enough rest.
• Avoid exposure to harmful substances where you live and work such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, drugs, or radiation.
• Avoid foods that contain high levels of chemicals such as certain types of fish, or those that put you at risk for getting an infection, such as soft cheeses. Ask your health care provider about these foods.

Physical Activity and Exercise

• Don't get overheated. High internal body temperature (over 100ºF) can cause birth defects in the first trimester. Hot tubs and saunas can be dangerous.
• Avoid potentially risky activities such as horseback riding, rollerblading, skiing (snow or water), scuba diving, and exercising at high altitudes.
• Don't push yourself too hard. Physical activity shouldn't hurt.

Continue to "Your Baby: What's Happening"