#  10 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy 

 

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Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for your baby—and for you. Staying healthy helps your baby grow and develop, and it helps lower the risk of pregnancy problems. Here are ten ways to support your health during pregnancy.

## 1. Go to All Your Prenatal Visits 

Prenatal care helps your provider check on you and your baby. It’s also a great time to ask questions.

- Get to know the [different types of prenatal providers](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/medical-care/prenatal-providers "Bump & Beyond: Your Pregnancy, Your Way: Meet the Prenatal Care Team | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)").
- Learn [what happens at your prenatal visits](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/medical-care/prenatal-visits "Bump & Beyond: Prenatal Visits: Monitoring Your Health and Baby’s Growth | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)").

## 2. Drink 8–10 Glasses of Water Daily

Staying hydrated helps your body make more blood, supports digestion, and reduces swelling.

## 3. Eat Healthy Foods

Good nutrition supports your baby’s development and helps you feel your best.

- Read our [healthy eating resources](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/nutrition-exercise/healthy-eating-during-pregnancy "Bump & Beyond: Healthy Eating During Pregnancy | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)").
- Take a [BMC nutrition class](/nourishing-our-community/teaching-kitchen "Nourishing Our Community: The Teaching Kitchen | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)").

## 4. Stay Active

Exercise can ease stress, improve sleep, and help prepare your body for birth.

- Check out tips for [exercise during pregnancy](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/nutrition-exercise/exercise "Bump & Beyond: Exercise: Get Moving During Pregnancy | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)").

## 5. Get Plenty of Rest

Your body is working hard to grow your baby. [Try to get extra sleep](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/safe-choices/your-sleep-matters "Bump & Beyond: Your Sleep Matters | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") and listen to your body’s signals.

## 6. Avoid Harmful Substances

Do not use alcohol, tobacco, or street drugs. If you’re unsure what’s safe, ask your provider.

- Learn more about [alcohol and drugs during pregnancy](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/safe-choices/how-alcohol-smoking-and-drugs-can-affect-your-baby "Bump & Beyond: How Alcohol, Smoking, and Drugs Can Affect Your Baby | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)").

## 7. Buckle Up Every Time

Wear your seat belt low across your hips and below your belly, even in the back seat.

## 8. Take a Childbirth Class

[Learning what to expect](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/preparing-birth/childbirth-education-classes "Bump & Beyond: Childbirth Education Classes | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") can ease worries and help you feel more prepared.

## 9. Take Care of Your Mental Health

It’s normal to have questions or feel emotional during pregnancy. Finding the right resources can help.

- Find [support](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/mental-health/sources-support "Bump & Beyond: Being There: Support During Pregnancy | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)"), [self-care advice](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/mental-health/self-care "Bump & Beyond: Self-Help Tips for Your Mental Health During Pregnancy | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)"), and resources for your mental health.
- Know the [warning signs](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience/mental-health/mental-health-after-birth "Bump & Beyond: Emotions and Mental Health Concerns After Birth | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") and when to call your provider.
- Explore [community resources](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy/mental-health/sources-support) for pregnancy support.

## 10. Ask Lots of Questions

No question is too small. Your care team is here to help you feel informed and supported.

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