Human chorionic gonadotropin, called hCG for short, is a hormone used by bodybuilders to improve results during anabolic-androgenic steroid use. The hormone is produced by the placenta of a pregnant female and is essential for healthy pregnancy in humans.

Folic acid is vital for the development of the fetal nervous system. Taking it before conception and throughout the first trimester decreases the risk of having a child born with a neural tube defect. Doctors recommend expectant mothers take 400 mcg of folic acid daily before conception and during the first trimester.

Pork can provides an excellent source of lean protein. Pregnant women can safely enjoy pork provided that the meat is not undercooked. During pregnancy, women are more likely to contract foodborne parasites and illnesses. Follow safe food handling and storage practices for all types of meat.

Standing seems like it takes little to no effort. In reality, however, you can lose weight by standing more often. In fact, sitting rather than standing isn't simply a matter of burning less calories.

Calamari, Italian for "squid," is safe to eat when you are pregnant. Like other fish and shellfish, calamari is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients, while low in saturated fat and sodium.

Physical symptoms of pregnancy can vary in intensity and frequency. While some women never experience morning sickness, others feel ill for months. Certain symptoms may disappear as your pregnancy progresses, and others can last up to the time of birth.

You may want to think twice before diving into a pepperoni pizza during your pregnancy. There are several negative effects that pepperoni consumption can have on you, and it also poses a risk to your unborn baby. This is because of the composition of the pepperoni and the preservatives used.

Your digestive tract experiences some significant changes during pregnancy. Perhaps the most dramatic occur late in pregnancy when your developing baby compresses your stomach and intestine. Your first trimester, however, isn't without its own share of digestive changes.

As your abdomen grows ever larger during pregnancy, aches and pains are common. Round ligament pain is one common pain that plagues many pregnant mothers. Round ligament pain could feel sharp or aching, originating on either side of the abdomen, states the Marshfield Clinic.

Nausea during pregnancy, sometimes termed “morning sickness,” can happen any time during the day and can make expectant women feel very reluctant to exercise. When you feel nauseous, you generally don’t want to exert yourself; it often feels better to rest.

When you are pregnant, your vitamin and mineral needs increase to meet both your needs and the needs of your growing fetus. It is important to follow a healthy, balanced diet to make sure you meet those needs.

If you’re not already aware of it, you need to add one more food to avoid to your pregnancy list -- smoked meat, which includes bacon, hot dogs and ham. Smoked meat may contain bacteria and other organisms that can make you and your baby sick.