Prepare for Baby -- Now

As women, it's natural for many of us to dream of starting a family, the day we bring our precious baby home a warm thought in our minds. I'm actually approaching the eighth month of my first pregnancy and I've larned a few things to do ever before conception to make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable.

Get those B's

Studies have consistenly shown that women who take multivitamins and a B-complex supplement have fewer complications during pregnancy and have a greater chance of giving birth to a healthier baby. I really gotta stress the extra B supplement though; for with our high stress lives we're all especially deficient in these vitamins that are so important to a developing baby.

Oil, Please

One of the biggest things we can do to improve our health overall is take a quality fish oil supplement. Not only is it good for our hearts and brains, but it's also a great beauty supplement. I mean, who doesn't want soft and shiny hair? As far as baby goes, though, it's one of the best things we can do for ensuring good brain development. The only thing to worry about is what happens if you have a child prodigy on your hands . . .

Go Green

The world is turning green. Are you? Study after study has proven that household chemicals are toxic to all of us -- adults, pets, and kids. If you switch to all-natural cleaners now, you'll much safer air to breath when baby starts coming. Remember: even in the womb, what you breathe is what baby breathes.

Sixpack, Anyone?

I don't know how true this is for everyone, but my own experience has been that the more toned your abs are before you get pregnant, the longer it takes for you to "pop" and carry that uncomfortable extra weight. And believe me, even a little extra weight out there in front gets pretty uncomfortable. Pilates is awesome for toning those muscles.