1. Choline is an especially important nutrient for pregnant and breastfeeding women as these are periods when maternal reserves of choline are depleted.

Sources of Choline

3. Avoid using soap. Soap removes natural oils from the skin, so try using a moisturizing body wash instead. This will maintain the essential oils in pregnant skin and promote a healthy glow.

4. Get to grips with your bump Skin is under a lot of pressure during pregnancy especially in the abdominal area. Massaging your bump with a tummy massage gel will keep skin supple and elastic in areas prone to stretch marks.

5. Sleep is important to health of all people, but during pregnancy it is of utmost importance. During a women’s pregnancy, she needs to get plenty of extra rest. A growing fetus puts a lot of strain on a women’s body and she needs to get more sleep to re-fuel and keep going.

6. Many pregnant ladies are happy to hit that 2nd trimester mark. Not only does it mean there is a less risk of a miscarriage, but also the nausea, frequent urination, and sleepiness have pretty much gone away. Women usually feel their best and have a boost of energy during this time. They are starting to show, but aren’t too big for comfort.

7. Salicylic acid is also not suitable for pregnant women, but can be safely substituted with lactic or glycolic acid, which work similarly. Remember, salicylic acid is a common ingredient in chemical peels as well as skin care products. MD Forte Cleanser III is a good option.

8. It is important to avoid vitamin A during pregnancy because it may cause damage to the embryo. Foods containing large amounts of vitamin A include liver, and should be eaten on an occasional basis only. Unpasteurized cheeses, blue-veined cheeses and pâté are also not recommended because of the possible risk of transmission of infectious diseases such as Listeria.

9. Eggs may contain Salmonella, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting. During pregnancy it is wise to cook eggs until both the yolk and the white are solid. Remember that mayonnaise and mousses may contain raw eggs.

10. Traveling is almost always safe during pregnancy. Unless you are having unique complications, most doctors allow their patients to travel and fly until they are 34-36 weeks pregnant, at which point the risk of premature labor becomes a common concern. While traveling during pregnancy is generally a great way to relax and relieve some of the stress of preparing for a new addition, it’s always a good idea to discuss your travel plans with your doctor or midwife ahead of time. If he or she approves your plan, you’re in for a real treat. Traveling while pregnant can be a lot of fun and can be relatively easy – if you make the right choices and go the right places.

11. Women with diabetes should have a complete physical examination before becoming pregnant. As part of the examination, they should provide their doctors with a complete medical history, including duration and type of diabetes, medications and supplements taken, and any history of diabetic complications, such as neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy and cardiac problems. It is also important for women with diabetes to plan ahead and maintain excellent blood sugar control before conceiving, as high blood sugar levels during the first trimester can lead to miscarriage or congenital anomalies, which are abnormal changes during fetal development in the uterus.