Most women gain 25 to 35 pounds during a pregnancy. A balanced diet that includes a variety of dairy products, protein foods, fruits, vegetables, and grains is the best way to make sure your baby receives needed nutrients. In addition, taking a multivitamin tablet each day provides important vitamins and minerals, particularly folic acid, which reduces the risk of birth defects. Unless they involve heavy lifting or exposure to chemicals or radiation, most jobs are not a risk to pregnancy. If you have doubts, ask your health care provider.
Most women can benefit from regular, moderate exercise during pregnancy.
Again, consult your health care provider and stop immediately if you experience pain, dizziness, nausea, bleeding, or other problems. It's normal in the last few months of pregnancy to experience contractions, a tightening of the uterus. Contractions that become more regular, evenly-spaced, and longer in duration signal the beginning of labor. Even without regular contractions, a discharge of fluid or blood from the vagina, menstrual-like cramps, low backache or other pain, or feelings that the baby is pushing down can also signal that labor is underway. Women experience labor in different ways, ranging in length from a few months to a day or more.