You are eating for two.

The food you eat will help your baby grow big and strong. Follow the food guide pyramid and eat a variety of foods. Water is very important too; drink six to eight glasses every day.

See a doctor for prenatal care.

Your doctor will prescribe iron pills. Take the iron pill with water or juice, not milk, coffee, or tea. Women need other vitamins and minerals too. Folate is an important B vitamin that may help prevent brain and spine defects.

Adequate Weight Gain:

    If your weight is normal, you should gain 25 to 35 pounds.
    If you are underweight, you should gain 28 to 40 pounds.
    If you are overweight, you should gain 15 to 25 pounds.

Don't forget: Everything you eat, drink, or take into your body usually gets passed on to your baby.

• Cigarettes can cause your baby to be born early or at a very low birth weight. They also put your baby at greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Alcohol can affect your baby's brain and body development. Your baby could be born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which causes problems such as growth retardation, facial defects, seizures, learning disabilities, mental retardation, and behavior problems.
• Do not take any prescription drugs without asking your doctor first.