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There is a common misconception while pregnant, that eating for two means you need to consume more food. While pregnant you only need 250 -300 more calories then you do before you were pregnant. Chances are if you are eating a typical American diet you are getting way over the daily calories needed even without a baby growing inside. Instead of worrying about eating enough food, focus more on its value. Everything you put in your mouth goes right into your babys development, forming the structure from which they will grow. The healthier you eat the better you will feel and the stronger your body will be to support your pregnancy. You can shift your awareness simply asking yourself these two questions: How is this food feeding me? How is this fueling my babys development?

As your body nears the end of your pregnancy, your mind will turn to the practical matters that need to be completed before your baby makes her arrival into your family. Preparing the nursery, the nesting instinct of cleaning your home and making lists of things to do and people to contact when your labor begins all help take your mind off the changes in your body and perhaps the discomfort that comes with carrying a near-term baby. While you make your necessary plans, it’s important to keep in mind a few warning signs that may occur during late pregnancy.

Prenatal exercise helps relieve discomfort and increases energy, according to MayoClinic.com. An exercise ball is an inexpensive but effective workout tool for expectant mothers. The large, plastic workout ball provides support along with its flexibility, allowing it to conform to your body. Ball exercises are also an alternative way to perform exercises in a safer manner while pregnant. Always listen to your body and consult with your health care provider when starting a new workout routine, especially during pregnancy.

Half of pregnant women develop iron-deficiency anemia, reports the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Anemia during pregnancy can cause problems, such as low-birth weight, reduced amniotic fluid and premature delivery. Because many of the symptoms of anemia also mimic symptoms of pregnancy, it can prove difficult to identify. Small differences in the symptoms, however, will help you identify whether you have anemia.