There are certain things that everyone knows NOT to do to maintain a healthy pregnancy- don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t go bungee jumping, ect. But there are a few more things you can and should be doing in order to keep you and baby as healthy as possible during those 10 months (yes, did you pregnancy is actually 10 months long, not 9???).

First, is taking a prenatal vitamin, specifically, one with folic acid. Actually, you should be taking one before you even get pregnant. As soon as you decide you are going to start trying you should start taking one. Most people think you need a prescription to get a prenatal, but you don’t. They sell them over the counter at any store that sells vitamins. In fact, I have been on prenatal vitamins for the past three years without ever getting one prescription. (I buy the gummy prenatal vitamins in case you were wondering.) And if you are planning on breastfeeding, you should stay on them. If you have trouble getting them down due to nausea, I found the best time to take them is at night.

During your pregnancy you should try to stay active. I know this is easier said then done, but it helps with the weight gain and improves your mood. Of course, don’t do anything too strenuous or dangerous (this is where the no bungee jumping comes in), and always check with your doctor first. Also, stay away from exercises that require you to lie flat on your back, and watch how heavy of a weight you lift.

And speaking of lifting heavy weights, ask your doctor about the maximum amount of weight you should be lifting during pregnancy. I had read that after the second trimester you shouldn’t lift anything heavier than 20 pounds, but my doctor told me not to lift anything heavier than 15 pounds. Which is really hard if this is any pregnancy other than your first because you have other children who need your attention and want to be held. In this case you need to get creative. My son is almost 2 and luckily, he can do a lot on his own. I have him go up and down stairs by himself, I stand behind him while he climbs up on chairs himself, and if I need to carry him, I will let him come to me. For example, I will have him stand on a chair or the bed and then come into my arms that way. I was told I could carry him, I just couldn’t lift him up.

Remember that now that you are pregnant, whatever you take in, you are taking in for two. Be cognizant of the household cleaning products you are using and any work that may be going on in your house, such as painting the nursery. These are all fumes you and baby should not be breathing in. At 6 months pregnant my husband was redoing our side entrance way. The day he painted both myself AND my 2 year old son left for the entire day and did not come back until it completely dry and my husband got the smell out of the house entirely. As for cleaning products, opt for more natural ones or have your partner clean while you are out getting yourself pampered.

If you do decide to get pampered, there’s a few things you should know about that also. First, you should always alert anyone who is working on you that you are pregnant; don’t assume they can tell. If you are getting a massage, schedule a prenatal massage. They will know what to avoid when massaging you. The same goes for a facial; alert them you are pregnant so they will avoid certain things. Also to avoid are certain essential oils. Check with your doctor before using anything and when in doubt, simply avoid.

Lastly, did you know your skin is more sensitive when you are pregnant and more prone to sunburn? Trust me, I learned this the hard way on spring break last month. Who would have thought my Italian skin could burn so bad? Make sure you are always wearing a sunscreen, and try to wear a hat and sunglasses whenever possible.