First Trimester

Congratulations, you're pregnant! Although it may seem early, there are plenty of things you'll need to do during your first trimester -- like eating well and getting lots of sleep. Schedule your first prenatal visit with your practitioner when you're about nine weeks along. Plan on seeing your practitioner every four weeks.

- Avoid alcohol, drugs and cigarettes.
- If your immunizations are not up to date, let your practitioner know.
- Drink lots of fluids, especially water (8 to 10 glasses a day).
- Stick to a diet naturally high in folic acid (oranges, melons and dark green vegetables).
- Eat plenty of iron-rich foods (whole grains, beans, raisins and nuts).
- Keep your blood sugar level elevated by eating lots of high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods such as breads, brown rice, potatoes and cheese.
- As a general rule, avoid medication and consult with your doctor before taking any.
- Get plenty of sleep, and try to nap if you feel tired during the day.
- Exercise, but moderately. Don't start a new exercise regimen when you're pregnant, and be careful not to become overheated for prolonged periods.
- If you're a coffee drinker, cut back, switch to decaf or try herbal or decaffeinated tea.
- If your family has a history of genetic disorders, consider prenatal testing.
- Start budgeting for your new life with baby.
- Choose a place to give birth (hospital? birthing center? home?).
- Consider starting a pregnancy diary and having someone take a picture of you (and your expanding belly) each month.
- Refrain from getting perms, dyes and other hair treatments involving heavy chemicals.
- Get smart -- buy a few pregnancy books and dive in.