I have a wonderful daughter who will be 6 soon. I am married to the man of my dreams living in the most beautiful city in the world (IMO!)..and I am expecting a child in April. I think I probably look at pregnancy a little bit different than most people. I definetely don't do everything "by the book" or stress too much about what I'm doing..or not doing. I know that all the advice out there from our dear medical professionals is just that-advice. We can take it and use it how we need to in our own lives. I think as mothers we all have that instinct and can manage 99% of this crazy thing called pregnancy.

Things that I do that may get me thrown in pregnancy jail:

1) I take hot baths. Not too too hot now, I never like it that hot anyways. Just enough to relax my muscles. I'll tell you what-it ain't lukewarm!

2) I eat sushi. I love it. I crave it. Gotta have it! I have really good resturaunts in the area, and I live on the coast, so it's as fresh as can be. I know that omega-3 fatty acids and DHA are all found in fish, and that is good for brain developement. Do you know that american women have the lowest levels of DHA in the whole world? Low DHA levels are related to many illnesses in children..such as ADD, ADHD, autism,etc... These 'sicknesses' are almost unheard of in other countries, one reason is because they eat ALOT of fish, most of it being raw fish.

3) I take nyquil if I need it. If I have a wicked cold that is surely ruining my week-I will take nyquil. My dr. said it's ok,and I believe him. I promise you that I'm not making Nyquil martini's on a daily basis! My daughter is healthy and bright, and my current fetus is doing wonderfully.

4) I drink the occasional glass of wine during pregnancy. On average, I'd say maybe 1 glass a month. Sometimes less. I usually save it for special times such as holidays, or dates with my spouse.

5) I color my hair, and I use Proactiv solution on my face.

6) I workout 5 days a week, and heartrate is usually around 140-165. Definetely out of the reccommended 140 bpm range. I was a marathoner before pregnancy, so I am very used to it.

7) I drink coffee every day. Not decaf. Usually 1 in the morning, then maybe one in the pm if I need a pickmeup, never more than 2 or else I will have hellish insomnia.

8) Speaking of insomnia, I take benedryl every night for it. It's a lifesaver!

I'm sure there are more, but those are the main ones for me. I realize that my views on pregnancy may be different than your own, and that is ok. If you are out there and you do some of the things I do..stop beating yourself up over it! Talk about everything with your dr, and I'm sure he/she would be fine with it-mine most certaintly is. One thing I find that does help with general health, especially during pregnancy, is to really eat GOOD food. Lots of fresh fruit and veggies, and as much organic food as possible. Stick to whole foods if you can. But hell, if you want some KFC, get it! I know I can't go a week without having at least one of the following: mcdonalds french fries, taco bell, icecream (ok, i'm more of an every nighter with that one!), and chips galore. Everything in moderation right? Listen to your bodies. :)

Wishing you all a happy, healthy pregnancy. Be happy!