Getting ready to have a baby is an exciting time. But it can also be overwhelming. There are so many people who will tell you what you should do; it’s hard to know which advice to take. With a few easy steps, you can have a healthy pregnancy and birth.

1. Diet And Exercise

The most important thing you can do to have a healthy pregnancy and birth is pay attention to your diet. You’ll want to make sure you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, drinking milk, and eating a well rounded diet. You should also take a pre-natal vitamin every day to ensure that you are getting enough folic acid (which has been shown to prevent birth defects). Drink plenty of water – at least eight to ten glasses a day. Make sure, too, that you have cut alcohol out of your diet, and are not smoking or doing other drugs. Another component to having a healthy pregnancy and birth is exercise. Daily moderate exercise, such as a thirty-minute walk, can make birth easier and reduce the risk of miscarriage. Another popular choice is pre-natal yoga, which can be done all the way through your pregnancy.

2. Get Smart

There are hundreds of well-written books on pregnancy and birth. Now is the time to choose a few and educate yourself about pregnancy, birth, and caring for a newborn. Some books are more fact based, while others take a more humorous tone. There are even books written to guide dads-to-be through pregnancy and birth. You should also sign up for a class or two. Most doctors will recommend a birthing class (such as Lamaze), as well as a parenting class.

3. Visit Your Doctor

Regular visits to your obstetrician are essential to a healthy pregnancy and birth. Regular prenatal visits can help catch any problems early, and treat them before they become an issue. It is at your prenatal appointments that your doctor will do regular ultrasounds, which will give you the first opportunity to see your child. Go to your appointments prepared with any questions you have. Some women keep a list of questions to bring with them to their regular appointments.

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