Now that you know you're pregnant, it's is important that you really start taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Your chances of having a healthy and happy experience with pregnancy and a healthy baby depend on it.

First and foremost - Get early prenatal care
Good prenatal care is so important. At your first prenatal visit you'll be screened for certain conditions that could lead to complications.

Watch what you eat & Take prenatal vitamins
Now that you're eating for two, you'll need to up your intake of protein and calories (you need the energy), as well as folic acid and iron which are in the prenatal vitamins. Avoid undercooked eggs and meat, unpasteurized milk and juice, raw seafood, and soft cheeses to avoid ingesting bacteria that could harm your baby.

• Fine-tune your diet -- even if you already eat well
• Start taking a prenatal vitamin-mineral supplement
• Don't diet while you're pregnant
• Gain weight gradually
• Eat small meals every four hours.
• Treat yourself to something sweet on occasion

Exercise regularly
A good exercise program makes you strong which you'll need to carry the weight you gain during pregnancy and to handle labor. It will also make getting back into shape after the baby is born much easier. What's more, exercise is a great way to beat the pregnancy blues; a recent study found that staying active can boost your level of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood. Just remember not to push yourself too hard, stay hydrated, and don't overheat.

Just say no to alcohol. Give the little one a fare chance, don't drink at all. Whatever alcohol you drink goes through your bloodstream and across the placenta. Women who drink are known to be at greater risk for giving birth to a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). There is no safe amount you can drink during pregnancy. Children born with FAS suffer from mental and growth retardation, behavioral problems, and facial and heart defects.

Cut back on caffeine
No one knows for sure what the effects caffeine can have on the baby. Some researchers say that too much caffeine may contribute to the risk of having a low-birth weight baby. Drink decaffeinated coffee or tea instead.

Stop smoking
Smoking increases your risk of so many things like, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, abnormal placental implantation, premature placental detachment, vaginal bleeding, premature delivery, and infant death. What a great reason to quit. Every cigarette you don't light gives your baby a better chance of being healthy.

Get some rest
The fatigue you feel is your body's way of saying "slow down." Try to nap and give yourself a break outside of work and let your other responsibilities go a little. If you can't sleep, at least put your feet up and relax. Good habits to pick-up are yoga, stretching, deep breathing, and massages.