Being pregnant in today's world means you have more information on how to stay healthy. There is so much information available in books, on the Internet, and most important, from your doctor's office, that you can ask any question about your pregnancy and get an answer.

The key to staying healthy is getting regular prenatal care. If you think you're pregnant, call your doctor to schedule an appointment. Schedule your first examination as soon as you think that you are pregnant.

At the first visit, your doctor will do a pregnancy test. He or she will do a physical examination and set a delivery date based on your exam and the date of your last period. At this time, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you currently take and ask whether it's safe for you to continue to take them now that you are pregnant. Include all vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements.

If you're healthy and there are no complicating risk factors, most doctors will want to see you:

• Every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy
• Then every 2 weeks until the 36th week
• Then once a week until delivery

Throughout your pregnancy, your doctor will check your weight and blood pressure and as well as the growth and development of your baby. Your doctor will feel your abdomen, listen for the baby's heartbeat, and measure your belly. You'll also have some tests, including blood, urine, and cervical tests, and probably at least one ultrasound.

There are many things you must do during your pregnancy to increase the chances you will deliver a healthy, full term baby:

• Eat about 300 extra HEALTHY calories a day.
• Take a good prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid every day.
• Get enough calcium (at least 1,000mg a day).
• Get 30mg of iron every day.
• Drink enough fluid, especially water.
• Get about 150 minutes of moderate and safe exercise each week.
• Get enough sleep and rest.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Don't use recreational drugs.
• Don't smoke.
• Strictly limit or avoid caffeine.
• Be careful of certain foods, including:
• Soft, unpasteurized cheeses like feta, goat, Brie, Camembert, and blue cheese
• Unpasteurized milk, juices, and apple cider
• Raw eggs or foods containing raw eggs
• Raw or undercooked meats, fish (sushi), or shellfish
• Processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats (unless they are reheated until steaming)
• Fishes like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and tuna steak