Healthy Pregnancy Diet Guidelines

Steps for a healthy pregnancy.

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Become a “mocktail” mixer

As you probably know, experts advise avoiding alcohol completely during pregnancy. Alcohol in your blood easily crosses the placenta to your baby, whose liver is not well enough developed to break it down. Drinking alcohol can cause your baby to be too small—and may increase the risk of preterm delivery and miscarriage. It may also affect your baby’s heart and brain. Feeling left out while everyone else is sipping cocktails? Whip up one of these delicious mocktails. (They’ll also help you stay hydrated—which protects against constipation and dehydration-related fatigue—and provide a dose of healthy phytochemicals.)

Next: Tip 9—Limit Caffeine »