OK, so you are pregnant.  Now what?

One place to start is to learn about having a healthy pregnancy.

First and foremost, schedule an appointment with a medical professional that specializes in caring for pregnant women such as an obstetrician, family doctor or certified nurse midwife.

Next, eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.  Fresh fruits, protein such as chicken, turkey, lean beef or eggs as well as whole grains and dairy products are key to a well-balanced diet.  Avoid processed foods and be sure not to overeat.  You will gain weight during your pregnancy, but it is important to talk to your medical provider about ideal weight gain.

Exercise is also important.  Once again, your doctor can suggest some pregnancy-friendly workout programs. Sleep is vital to you and your developing baby.  Make sure you are getting about 8 hours of sleep every night.

Finally, there are some things you should avoid while pregnant.  Your doctor can give you a list but some general recommendations are to avoid hot tubs, cat litter boxes, excessive caffeine and fumes and exhausts from paints and cleaning supplies.