Pregnancy Checklist - I

Congratulations, if you're pregnant! Although it may seem early, there are plenty of things you'll need to do during your first few months -- like eating well and getting lots of sleep.

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

• Pregnancy at 20, 30, 40
• Health insurance for pregnant women
• Cradle your baby to sleep
• Know how to tackle Breastfeeding infection
• What Babies See?
• Pregnancy Month to Month
• Prepare breast for breast milk
• How to reduce back pain during pregnancy
• Steps to good caring for your infant
• Tips on diet