Body and weight changes do occur, and it's important the woman gains enough weight to provide for herself and her baby. While the average weight gain is 25 to 30 pounds, a woman's own build and metabolism determines her own gain. Regular exercise is also important. It strengthens and tones muscles, making pregnancy, labor and delivery easier to experience. Swimming and walking are beneficial since they place little strain on muscles.
Good rest is also necessary.
Pregnant women should monitor themselves carefully and not overextend themselves. At least eight hours of sleep a night is recommended, and many women will find they require even more. HIV-positive women should avoid some aspects of typical prenatal care. Most doctors agree that invasive tests and procedures that can cause harm to the developing baby should be avoided whenever possible. For example, amniocentesis, used to test for genetic defects in the baby, is done with a needle that passes through the mother's abdomen and into the uterus.