5 Tips From a Pregnant Gal

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By News Canada

What better way to learn the ABCs of pregnancy than from a pregnant gal herself. Here are some things that I think every pregnant woman needs to know.

1. Take care of your health and your baby's health with regular visits to the doctor and keep a record of all of the upcoming checkups and what tests will be done.
2. Eat! Make sure you have a balanced diet with lots of grains, fruits and vegetables. Include the suggested amounts of iron, calcium and protein into your diet. And indulge on occasion in your favourite foods or cravings.
3. Being pregnant doesn't mean nine months of being a couch potato. It's okay, in fact encouraged, to exercise while pregnant. Maintain a level of physical activity, with the approval of your doctor, in activities such as walking, yoga or strength training.
4. Folic acid, also known as Folate or Vitamin B9 is a key nutrient every pregnant woman should know about. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida. Most pregnant women need between 0.4 to 1 milligram of folic acid throughout their pregnancy and while breastfeeding. I get this with Centrum Materna, my daily prenatal multivitamin that has one milligram of folic acid.
5. Be a fashionista! Lucky for us, being pregnant doesn't mean nine months of leggings and your husband's t-shirts. There are lots of affordable maternity lines and boutiques with stylish and fashionable clothes that are also comfortable. Show off your belly!

Being pregnant will be one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life. By eating well and taking care of yourself you will feel better and encourage the healthy development of your baby. Enjoy all the pleasures pregnancy will bring, it will be quite a ride!

-Marlo Taylor