Also read: Choosing a Prenatal Supplement Back To Top -> Can I drink herbal tea? Even though herbal teas are advertised as natural, safe, and healthy, they are not regulated as drugs are and they are not necessarily safe. Growing evidence suggests some herbs may be harmful to pregnant women. They are best avoided, though if you do choose to drink herbal teas, stick to those with ingredients found in an ordinary diet, such as cinnamon, orange, lemon, and apple. Also read: Playing it Safe: Herbal Teas and Supplements Back To Top -> Am I getting enough folic acid? If yours is a planned pregnancy, hopefully you have been taking a daily multivitamin containing at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid or an over-the-counter prenatal vitamin, which has 800 mcg. Now that you are pregnant, you'll need at least 600 mcg daily, although many doctors recommend 800 mcg. Most doctors will recommend taking a supplement, as well as, eating plenty of folate-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables, chicken or beef liver, lentils or cereal, etc. Also read: Folate: Prevents Birth Defects Back To Top -> Is a glass of wine OK? When you drink alcohol your baby is drinking it too. Therefore, you should avoid all forms of alcohol when you are pregnant. This includes beer, wine and hard liquor. When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it quickly reaches the baby through the blood stream. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may result in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, lower birth weight, physical deformities, mental retardation, and motor development complications. There is no data to support a safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Therefore, medical experts recommend avoiding alcohol completely during your pregnancy. Also read: Alcohol, Smoking and Drugs: The Facts Back To Top -> What are good snack ideas? It's break time at work. The lure of the high-fat donuts and sweet rolls at work is almost impossible to resist. However, with a little planning, a more healthful choice can be made that will still satisfy your taste buds. A great thing to do is pack your coffee break "treat" while you are making your lunch in the morning or the night before. Ideas include:
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