A common misconception among pregnant women is that when you’re pregnant you are eating for two, so you can eat more. This simply is not true. Many women find they relax and tend to overeat during pregnancy. However, they find after giving birth that losing those extra pounds isn’t as easy as they thought it would be.

You can avoid gaining too much weight during your pregnancy if you eat smart. Here are some tips for how much you should eat during your pregnancy:

300 Calories
If you are at a normal weight for your age and height when you become pregnant, you should only add about 300 calories per day to your intake. Be wise in the choices you make about where these 300 additional calories will come from.  Try to avoid empty calories like cookies and cakes, they have no real nutritional value and are high in calories.

Fruits and Veggies
Remember to stock up on lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Grapes, apples and bananas are wonderful substitutes for chocolate.  Fresh raw veggies, like baby carrots, celery and cucumbers can replace junk food. Keep your refrigerator stocked with these healthy snacks and eat at least five servings per day.

Fiber
You can never get too much fiber in your diet when you are pregnant. Fiber helps prevent constipation, which many pregnant women deal with during pregnancy. Foods like bran, raisins and whole grains can help.

Protein
Most doctors suggest that about ten percent of your caloric intake should consist of protein-rich foods. Protein is important during pregnancy and has a double effect as some foods that are high in protein are good sources of iron as well.

Every pregnant woman deals with a certain amount of stress. However, stress should be avoided at all costs during your pregnancy. Try this simple and quick pregnancy stress relief tips.

Stress Relief Tip #1: 15-minute foot soak.  If you’re tired and stressed from a long day, a nice, hot, 15-minute foot soak will ease the day’s tension like a charm. Your feet have many pressure points, so remember to get off your feet when you’re stressed. Add a little lavender or chamomile oil for a relaxing aromatherapy foot soak.

Stress Relief Tip #2: 30-minute massage
Make an appointment for a 30-minute massage at your local spa. You may not feel like it at first but push yourself to do it, a professional massage is not only relaxing but can physically work a lot of tension out of your body and relieve pregnancy aches and pains, particularly in the back area.  This is a really nice gift you can give yourself. After the baby is born, you probably won’t have time for many luxuries like this, so take advantage of it right now!

Stress Relief Tip #3: 30-minute manicure/pedicure
Another once-a-month stress reliever that is nice is a manicure and/or pedicure. Treat yourself to something nice. You deserve it. A manicure and pedicure might seem like an extravagance to some, but it will make you feel so much better.  Pregnancy is hard on the body and some of us don’t feel at our best, so nice hands and feet will make you feel sexy and pretty.

Stress Relief Tip #4: 30-minute afternoon nap - You may be experiencing extreme fatigue during your pregnancy. If so, don’t fight sleep. Get in a cat-nap during late morning or early afternoon. Whenever you feel fatigue setting in, stop and rest. The best relief for stress sometimes is just a good sleep.

By the same token try to get enough sleep at night.  A good way to avoid going to bed too late is to get into the habit of making yourself a nice relaxing herbal tea (chamomile and sleepy time are great) and get in bed to read a good book.  If you don’t like the thought of going to bed to early, think of it as just relaxing and catching up on some reading.  Before you know it you’ll be drifting off to sleep and ensuring you get some much needed rest.

As an expectant mother, your top priority should be healthy eating. Many women use their pregnancy as an excuse to “eat for two.” This is the worst possible thing you could do to yourself and your baby.

Here are a few healthy eating during pregnancy tips:

Healthy Eating Tips for Expecting Moms - The American Dietetic Association says that a pregnant woman needs only 300 calories a day more than she did before she became pregnant. This means, on average, you should consume about 2,500 to 2,700 calories per day.

The best foods for healthy eating are of course fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and dairy products. You should try to include something from each of these food groups in every meal.

Caffeine should be avoided at all costs, as it may have an effect on your unborn child. Junk food like chips and chocolate that will affect your weight gain should be eaten in moderation as well. Some pregnant women keep fresh fruit, like red seedless grapes, on hand. They claim these fruits that are naturally sweet help to curb their sweet-tooth cravings for things like chocolate.

Why Healthy Eating is Important for You - Your body is adjusting to carrying this new life inside you. While you will need extra nutrients, you don’t need to eat double. The best thing you can do is incorporate a pre-natal vitamin regimine into your daily life. Taking vitamins will help precisely feed your body the extra nutrients you need.

All too often, pregnant women pack on pounds unnecessarily. They eat in excess, thinking that after they have their baby, all the weight will magically disappear, too. It doesn’t work that way. If you wouldn’t ordinarily eat fast food five times per week, then don’t assume that kind of lifestyle just because you’re pregnant. Adopt well-rounded and balanced meals instead and treat yourself once a week to that craving you’ve had.

This way you’ll be able to keep your weight gain to a healthy level and also provide your baby with all the nutrients he or she needs for the best start in life.

You’re headed into the home stretch of your pregnancy. Now it’s time to pack your hospital bag. Here are some tips for packing your hospital bag:

For the Stay - Pack a nightgown or pajama set. Remember that you probably will not be the size you were before pregnancy so bring a gown that is large and comfy. Don’t worry about being pretty, go for comfortable.

If you are planning on breastfeeding your baby, be sure to pack a gown that has a button- or snap-up front closure for easy access.

Basic Essentials - Don’t worry about packing everything that you’d pack for a weekend getaway. You’ll be tired from all the hard work of having your baby and most likely won’t feel like primping. Take the bare essentials: comb or brush, toothbrush and paste, barrette or ponytail holder for your hair, undergarments, etc.

For The Baby - Many new mothers pack a huge diaper bag to bring to the hospital. This simply isn’t necessary. Save space and pack the few essentials you’ll need for your new baby in your overnight bag. Some things you might need are: an outfit for the ride home (something comfortable for the baby), socks or booties, and a blanket. That’s it! Hospitals provide you with a pack of diapers, Vaseline and formula to last several days, so there’s no need to pack a diaper bag.

Don’t Forget These! - Here are a few extra items that some expectant mothers sometimes forget to pack in their overnight bag: socks, music, CD player, video tape, something to focus on (if you are going natural), and snacks for Dad.  Also, don’t forget the phone book to call family members and friends and cell phone or change for the pay phone and vending machines.  In addition, remember to bring your baby’s car seat with you, as the hospital most likely will not allow you to leave without one.