30 Healthy Pregnancy Secrets from "Dr. Mom"
Coping with Cravings
But if you really must have that ice cream, eat it. Dr. Erika Schwartz, mother of two and women's health specialist in private practice in New York City
Easing Swelling
And while it sounds counter-intuitive, it helps to stay hydrated. Don't stop drinking if you're swelling. I drank a lot of water and an occasional caffeinated soda. Dr. Aline Tanios, mother of three and a pediatrician and hospitalist at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock
Coping with Morning Sickness
I took a thumbnail-size piece of fresh gingerroot, chopped it fine, and steeped it like you would tea in hot water, for two to three minutes. I'd sip that all day long and chew the ginger at the bottom of each mug. My nausea was decreased by about 50 percent. Nothing else, not even prescription drugs, was as effective. Dr. Ann Kulze, mother of four in Charlesto, SC, and the author of " Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss and Lifelong Vitality"
Noticing Odd Tastes and Smells
Fighting Fatigue
When you're tired, don't walk if you can stand, don't stand if you can sit, don't sit if you can lie down, and sleep whenever you can. Dr. Rallie McAllister, mother of three sons in Lexington, Ky. and co-author of "The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth"
Preparing Pets for Baby
Treating Back Pain
Breathing Easy
Controlling Labor Pain
I kept going until I felt the baby starting to come out. I didn't want to deliver in the hallway, so I got into bed and pushed. Dr. Hana R. Solomon, mother of four and a pediatrician in Columbia, Mo.
Resting Up before Delivery
Sharing the Good News
He knew what it was right away, and he ordered a martini. I got iced tea. Dr. Marra Francis, mother of three daughters and an ob-gyn in The Woodlands, Texas
Getting More Calcium
Meditating to Relax
Decorating Your Nursery
Weaning Off the Bean
Picking a Pediatrician
If none of your friends are doctors, consider asking your own doctors for pediatrician recommendations. Dr. Ayala Laufer-Cahana, mother of three and a pediatrician in Wynnewood, Pa.
Taking Photos of Your Belly
After that, we started writing messages on my belly before taking the pictures. It was fun! Dr. Jennifer Gilbert, mother of twins and an ob-gyn in Paoli, Pa.
Going to Prenatal Visits
Taking Prenatal Vitamins
Easing Heartburn
Enjoying Sex
Coping with Constipation
Handling Unsolicited Advice
Soothing Itchy Skin
Consider Cord Blood Banking
Packing Your Birth Bag
Easing Your Fears
At some point during my pregnancy, I realized that I was doing my best, and then I would just fake the rest. I stopped trying to control every variable. We all muddle through. I just try to use my best judgment. Dr. Ellen Kruger, mother of two teenagers and an ob-gyn in practice in New Orleans
Easing Foot Pain
Going into Labor
Seeing Your Baby for the First Time
Dr. Elizabeth Berger, mother of two in Indianapolis