Obviously, healthy eating, especially during pregnancy, includes a lot more than a list of things to avoid.  When you really only need to add about 300 calories a day for a healthy pregnancy, it matters even more what you actually do put into your body and your baby’s body. 

But for those of who try in whatever small way to eat healthy, we know that it’s not the things we should eat that give us problems, but the things we shouldn’t.  I mean, a chocolate-covered granola bar is healthy, right? 

So, for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, here is a list of don’ts for eating during pregnancy.  Some of them might surprise you. 

• Unpasteurized dairy products (milk, cheeses).  I didn’t even know you could get these things unpasteurized these days.

• Raw sea food.  Oysters and raw sushi are on this list.  Though why anyone would eat an oyster is beyong me, and living with two shell-critter eaters has not solved the mystery.  Anyway, these things could have bacteria that can harm you and your baby.

• Fish.  This is more of a “limit yourself” than a strict “don’t.”  But even cooked fish can have unhealthy levels of mercury, which can affect how your baby’s brain develops.  However, a couple of servings of fish a week can give you a good boost of vitamins.

• Alcohol.  Even though my mom was told to drink a Porter a day through her pregnancies, you should avoid all alcohol.  Period.  Don’t mess with this one. 

• Caffeine.  If you’re as lucky as I was, your body won’t want your morning cups of joe (a miracle in my case; I’ve been a faithful coffee drinker since I was 14).  But this also includes teas and sodas, and yes… even chocolate.  This is another brain thing–your baby’s.  Caffeine can cause ADHD and learning disabilities in fetuses.

• Diet drinks.  The ones with aspartame can cause headaches in both you and your wee one.  If you must drink these, choose the ones with splenda or stevia.

Don’t forget to replace all those don’ts with some healthy do’s, like eating more often, eating fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of water.

Some people actually plan their pregnancies–unlike most people in my family.  And really, that’s the best way to go, to choose the next major turn your life will take, rather than have it thrust upon you because you had too many margaritas on New Year’s Eve. 

There are a lot of things to think about if you’re considering getting pregnant.  For this post, I’ll concentrate on getting your body ready, but in the next few posts we’ll talk about your couple-relationship, your finances, and your job.

First, begin taking a multivitamin.  You want your daily recommended allowance of everything, but it’s important that you have plenty of folic acid and calcium.  Folic acid is important in the first trimester for the fetus’ normal neurological development, and calcium is important because the baby’s skeletal development draws calcium from the mother’s system.  If the mother doesn’t get enough calcium, it will be drawn from her bones and teeth.

Next, check with your ob/gyn.  Tell her that you’re thinking about getting pregnant sometime in the next year (or whatever time period you’ve determined).  Follow her advice and counsel.  Get any info you need about your birthing options; that’s not a decision you and your partner will make overnight, so the earlier you know what is available to you, the better.  Ask about any difficulties she might anticipate with conception or carrying.

Get in shape.  If you have a fitness discipline, keep it up.  If you don’t, it’s time to start one.  Try to shed those few extra pounds, and build up your heart, lung, and muscle strength.  Your exercising will be limited during pregnancy, and you’ll be gaining weight at the same time, so you want to do whatever you can now.

Start getting more aware of your body.  Pay attention to your cycle.  Chart your period and when you ovulate.  Notice how you feel during those times.  Discuss these things with your partner, so that you get more comfortable talking about the intimate details of your body together.  If you’re having trouble conceiving, this awareness will serve you well.  When you do conceive, if you know your own body well, you’ll know it verysoon after.

Kegels, Kegels, Kegels.  These are simple exercises you can do anywhere to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles; these are the muscles that support the uterus.  This will strengthen the muscles you’ll use during pregnancy and childbirth, but will also serve you well in other areas.  All you do is squeeze your vaginal mucles together as though you were starting and stopping the flow of urine.  The stronger you can make these muscles, the easier your birthing experience will go, and the sooner everything will be back in nice, tight shape afterward.

Practice.  Making babies is fun!  It also helps build intimacy between you and your partner.  You probably better start working on it now, so when the time comes, you’ll be ready to go. 

Have fun!