You must be careful about the foods you choose while pregnant. Not only will your nutrition affect the growth and development of your baby, it can also affect his health. Certain meats, such as smoked meats, should be avoided.

When you're pregnant, your immune system is suppressed because of hormone changes. Certain foods, such as coleslaw, can trigger food poisoning for everyone, but when you're pregnant you may suffer from more severe reactions to food poisoning.

Many sunscreens and diaper rash creams contain topical zinc oxide, a form of the mineral zinc. You can also find zinc oxide in oral over-the-counter supplements. Safety in pregnancy depends on the type of zinc oxide exposure and the dose.

Water makes up approximately 60 percent of the human body. It is an essential substance that hydrates the body, aiding in the duties of temperature regulation, digestion, absorption, oxygen transport and many other vital functions of the body, including milk production during lactation.

As your daughter goes through her teens, your relationship with her doctor will change. She will become more responsible for her health, and her checkups become focused on the issues and health concerns affecting teenagers.

The first trimester of pregnancy comes along with many body changes, including an increased propensity for dry skin. In addition to being bothersome, dry skin is more vulnerable to infection, making it more important to prevent it from the start.

Pass on the pina coladas during pregnancy, but don't pass on the coconut. The fruit of the coconut palm offers numerous health benefits -- especially via its oil. Coconut oil is an affordable alternative to expensive skin creams and hair conditioners.

Pectin is a type of soluble fiber, and a common ingredient in many foods because it's a gelling agent. If you're pregnant and are worried about the safety of food additives and over-the-counter medications, you can likely use pectin safely for some applications.

Eating a balanced diet during pregnancy is one of the most important things you can do to give your baby a great start in life and keep you healthy, too. But with so many food choices out there and so many nutrients to take in, many women find pregnancy nutrition to be perplexing.

A nutrient-rich, well-rounded diet can help women have a healthy pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. Your pregnancy diet should include a wide variety of foods from all the food groups, including vegetables.

Most mothers know that good nutrition is especially important during pregnancy. What women eat during pregnancy affects the physical and mental development of their child for years to come.

Orange juice contains many essential nutrients that support a healthy pregnancy. In fact, "Parents" magazine lists it as one of the top five foods that all pregnant women need to consume.