It is important to take good care of yourself during your pregnancy so your growing baby can get the best start in life. Staying active, eating well, and keeping up with your prenatal appointments will all promote a healthy pregnancy. Learn more about the simple steps you can take to stay healthy during pregnancy with these six tips.

1. Take Prenatal Vitamins

During pregnancy, your nutritional needs increase - after all, you're growing a baby! Pregnancy can make it difficult to get enough nutrients even if you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. A prenatal vitamin will ensure you get all the necessary vitamins and minerals you need. Prenatal vitamins differ from standard multivitamins. They are specially formulated to meet the needs of pregnant women. Multivitamins, for example, don't contain enough folic acid or folate. Taking enough folate or folic acid before you conceive and during your pregnancy can reduce your baby's risk of neural tube defects. But what exactly is the difference between folate vs folic acid? Both are forms of B9, an essential vitamin needed during pregnancy for tissue growth, blood formation, normal immune function, and fatigue reduction. Folic acid, or folacin, is a synthetic form of vitamin B9. Generally, it is found in supplements and fortified foods. Folate, on the other hand, is the naturally occurring form of B9. During pregnancy, this mineral is essential.

2. Exercise Regularly

Exercising can help you handle the physical stress of labor, prevent aches and pains, improve circulation in your legs, and help you carry the weight you gain during pregnancy. It will also make it much easier to get back into shape after having a baby. Additionally, staying active can boost your mood and cognitive function and reduce stress. Exercises like walking, swimming, aerobics, dancing, and running are great for your heart, while yoga and stretching will keep your muscles toned and strong throughout your pregnancy.

3. Get Some Rest

As important as it is to stay active, getting enough rest is just as important. You'll likely feel fatigued as you get further in your pregnancy. So listen to your body and take it as easy as possible. Even if you can't take a nap, try to take a rest and put your feet up. Relaxing, giving yourself a break, and letting your other duties take a back seat is okay. You can ask family and friends to help lighten your load by doing laundry or taking care of the kids for an hour. It is important to ask for help, even though it can be difficult. Exercises such as yoga, stretching, deep breathing, and massage are all relaxation techniques that can help you get a better night's sleep.

4. Say No to Alcohol and Smoking

During pregnancy, there is no acceptable time to drink alcohol, and all types of alcohol are harmful. Pregnant women who drink alcohol increase their risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. In addtion, women who drink alcohol during pregnancy are at risk of giving birth to children who have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Similarly, smoking also comes with great risks and deprives your baby of the oxygen they require to grow. The risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, preterm birth, low birth weight, and SIDS are all increased with smoking. If you're struggling to quit drinking, or smoking, ask your provider for help. You may be able to get referrals and recommendations (that are safe during pregnancy) to help you quit.

5. Limit Caffeine

March of Dimes and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that women limit caffeine consumption to less than 200 mg daily, the amount in an 8-ounce cup of strong coffee. As caffeine crosses the placenta, it enters the bloodstream of your baby. Although research is ongoing, most experts agree that moderate caffeine consumption does not cause problems. Nevertheless, consuming caffeine has no nutritional value and makes it harder for the body to absorb iron, which pregnant women already lack in abundance. In addition to being a stimulant, it can also raise your blood pressure and heart rate, making it even harder to sleep.

6. Take Care of Your Emotional Health

There are times when many women may feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster during pregnancy. Mood swings are common due to hormonal changes. Sometimes, the thought of becoming a parent may cause you to feel stressed, tired, or anxious. Other times you may feel joy and excitement. Share your feelings with your partner or friends. Take care of yourself by ensuring you get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise. If your mood swings are severe, this may be a sign of pregnancy depression or anxiety. You may find relief through therapy, a support group, antidepressant medication, or a combination of the three. However, not all antidepressants are safe during pregnancy, so make sure you work with a doctor who has experience dealing with pregnancy-related mental health issues.