Women carrying twins, women with low iron in their blood, and large women may need up to 100 mg a day of additional iron. You may need additional calcium in the last half of pregnancy, when the baby needs calcium for bone development. The usual dose recommended is 0.4 mg a day. Stay away from alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and drugs. Check with your doctor before taking any medications.
Some medications cause birth defects.
Too much caffeine from chocolate, coffee, tea, and soft drinks could increase the risk to your baby. You do not have to eat less salt during pregnancy, as was thought in the past. A moderate amount of salt helps keep proper levels of sodium in your body as your baby develops. Use iodized salt. Many women have morning sickness during the early months of pregnancy.