Answering Your Questions

You may have questions about things we haven't mentioned yet. We've tried to answer some of the most common questions here. But you are likely to have even more questions as you go through your pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your health care provider or a registered dietitian about your concerns.

Should I Eat More If I Exercise?

You'll need an extra 100 calories for each 30 minutes of mild exercise. You'll need more if you work out longer or harder. Each of the following has about 100 calories:

• 1 cup fat-free yogurt

• 1 cup low-fat milk

• 1/2 bagel with low-fat cream cheese

• 1/2 turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread

• 1 banana

What Should I Avoid?

Right now, do not take things into your body that might harm your growing baby. Avoid:

• Alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs

• Unpasteurized dairy foods or juices

• Organ meats, such as liver

• Raw or undercooked meats, such as sushi and rare hamburgers

• Some kinds of fish (ask your health care provider which ones)

What Is the Best Way to Take My Supplements?

Help your body get the most from vitamin and mineral pills by doing these things:

• Take your pills along with food.

• Take iron pills with a vitamin C juice (except orange juice that has added calcium). Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron.

• Take calcium and iron pills at different times. Calcium makes it hard for your body to absorb iron.

• Avoid coffee and tea. They may decrease iron absorption.