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Diet and Weight: During pregnancy, the woman's diet should be adequate and nutritious. If she does not consume enough nutrients for herself and the fetus, nutrients first go to nourish the fetus. However, adding about 250 calories to the daily diet is usually enough to provide nourishment for both. Most of the extra calories should be protein. The diet should be well balanced, including fresh fruits, grains, and vegetables. Cereals that are high in fiber and low in sugar are a good choice.

An average-size woman should gain about 11 to 14 kilograms during pregnancy. Gaining more than 14 to 16 kilogram puts fat on the woman and the fetus. Because controlling weight gain is more difficult later in pregnancy, a woman should try to avoid gaining too much weight during the first months. On the other hand, not gaining weight can hinder the growth and development of the fetus. A woman should try to gain between 1 and 1.5 kilograms each month during early pregnancy.

Sometimes a pregnant woman gains weight because she is retaining fluid. Fluid may be retained because, when she lies flat, the enlarging uterus interferes with blood flow from the legs back to the heart. Lying on one side, preferably the left side, for 30 to 45 minutes 2 or 3 times a day may relieve this problem. Wearing elastic support stockings may also help.

Drugs and Dietary Supplements: Generally, avoiding drugs during pregnancy is best. However, drugs must sometimes be used. A pregnant woman should check with her doctor before taking any drug—including nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs, such as aspirin, or medicinal herbs—particularly during the first 3 months.


All pregnant women should take a folate (folic acid) supplement (usually included in prenatal vitamins) daily. Ideally, the folate supplement is begun before pregnancy. A deficiency of folate increases the risk of having a baby with a birth defect of the brain or spinal cord, such as spina bifida. Women who have had a baby with spina bifida should start taking a high dose of folate before they become pregnant. For some other women who may have a folate deficiency, the amount of folate in a standard prenatal vitamin is sufficient, even if the risk is somewhat increased. For example, women who are exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) light, particularly fair-skinned women, may have decreased folate levels. Also, women who have taken oral contraceptives within several months before conception are more likely to develop a folate acid deficiency, but there is no proof that they are more likely to have a baby with spina bifida.
If the diet is adequate, other vitamin supplements may not be needed, although most doctors recommend that pregnant women take a prenatal multivitamin containing iron and folate daily.



Preparing for Breastfeeding: Women who are planning to breastfeed do not need to do anything to prepare their nipples for breastfeeding during pregnancy. Expressing fluids from the breast manually before delivery may lead to an infection of the breast (mastitis) or even early labor. The body prepares the areola and nipple for breastfeeding by secreting a lubricant to protect the surface. This lubricant should not be rubbed off. Observing and talking with women who have breastfed successfully may be instructive and encouraging.



Travel on airplanes is safe until about 36 weeks. The primary reason for this restriction at 36 weeks is the risk of labor and delivery in an unfamiliar environment. During air travel, pregnant women should take similar precautions as if driving, including stretching and straightening the legs and ankles periodically.

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