<p>You're going to have a baby! It's an exciting time, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. You may have a lot of questions, including what you can do to give your baby a healthy start. Taking care of your health while you're pregnant will help your fetus develop into a healthy baby. To do that, it's important to:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Have regular visits with your health care provider.</strong> During <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/prenatalcare.html">prenatal care</a> visits your provider checks your health and carefully monitors your pregnancy until you deliver a healthy baby. And if there are any health problems, your provider can find them early. Getting treatment right away can cure many problems and prevent others.</li> <li><strong>Eat healthy and drink plenty of water.</strong> Good <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/pregnancyandnutrition.html">nutrition during pregnancy</a> includes eating a variety of: <ul> <li>Fruits</li> <li>Vegetables</li> <li>Whole grains</li> <li>Lean meats or other protein sources</li> <li>Low-fat dairy products</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Take prenatal vitamins.</strong> During pregnancy, you need higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, such as <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/folicacid.html">folic acid</a> and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/iron.html">iron</a>.</li> <li><strong>Be careful with medicines.</strong> Always check with your provider before you start or stop any <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/pregnancyandmedicines.html">medicine</a>. This includes over-the-counter medicines and dietary or herbal supplements.</li> <li><strong>Stay active.</strong> Physical activity can help you stay strong, feel and sleep better, and prepare your body for birth. Check with your provider about which types of activities are right for you.</li> <li><strong>Avoid <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/reproductivehazards.html">substances that could hurt your baby</a></strong>, including <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/pregnancyandsubstanceuse.html">alcohol, drugs, and tobacco</a>.</li> </ul> <p>Your body will keep changing as your <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/fetalhealthanddevelopment.html">fetus develops</a> until your baby is ready to be born. It can be hard to know whether a new symptom is normal or could be a sign of a <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/healthproblemsinpregnancy.html">problem</a>. Check with your provider if something is bothering or worrying you.</p>