1.  Fact or Myth?  When a woman gets pregnant she needs to eat more, because now she is eating for two people.  A woman who is pregnant needs to eat a well-balanced diet rich in key nutrients. ◦ Folic acidCalciumVitamin A ◦ ProteinIronVitamin B

2.  Folic Acid is especially important during pregnancy because it is important for proper development of an embryo’s neural tube  The neural tube later develops into the spinal cord and brain.  The neural tube forms early in an embryo’s development, often before a woman knows she is pregnant.

3.  A fit woman will better meet the extra energy demands of carrying the fetus.  She also reduces her risk for diabetes and other health problems during pregnancy.  However, all exercise programs should be approved by a doctor.

4.  As soon as a woman decides to become pregnant, she should abstain from all alcohol, tobacco, and any other drugs not prescribed or approved by her doctor.  These substances, even in small amounts, can harm or kill the developing baby, decrease the newborn’s chance to live, or cause lifelong problems.

5.  Pregnant women should avoid the following: ◦ X-rays  The radiation from an X-ray can harm a developing embryo or fetus. ◦ Lead  Main source is from lead based paint present in older homes built before 1978. ◦ Mercury  Most exposure comes from eating fish. Pregnant women should only eat commercially caught fish once a week. No swordfish or shark! ◦ Cat litter  cat feces can contain a parasite that is especially dangerous to a developing fetus.