Proper nutrition is important to everyone, but especially you, now that you are pregnant. Eating healthy has its advantages. Your baby will have the best chance to have a healthy birth weight, and keeping proper nutrition will give your baby the building blocks needed for a strong body. You'll also feel better during your pregnancy and have more energy, even in the last weeks. Your bones will stay strong, helping to prevent osteoporosis.

Eating well will help your body to fight off colds, flu and other infections. A healthy diet may help you deal with nausea while pregnant, have fewer pounds to shed after your baby is born, and establish good eating habits that will last a lifetime.

Something important to add to your diet while you are pregnant, especially during the first trimester, is folic acid. Folic acid is found in liver, dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, whole grains, and dried beans and peas. A pregnant woman needs 400 micrograms per day. To ensure the right amount is received, it is best to take a supplement. Discuss this with your physician.

Are cravings real? They certainly are. Studies have not found medical reasons for all cravings, but most women do give in when a craving hits. When you crave healthy food, like milk, juice or fruits, go ahead and enjoy. When your craving is a high fat or high sugar "junk food," you'll have to be more careful - maybe just a taste will satisfy you. Women sometimes crave spicy food, and while it may give you indigestion, it won't hurt your growing baby.

If you're craving is something strange, like laundry starch, ashes, dirt or other non-food items, let your doctor know. These cravings are known as pica. Eating non-food items can make you and your baby sick.