Pregnancy is a beautiful, fun, but sometimes confusing, time, especially when it comes to what to eat. And for moms on a specialty diet, figuring out a healthy eating plan can be even more baffling. But whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or used to gluten-free foods, know that it’s usually fine to continue your diet through pregnancy. However, be sure to mention your dietary restrictions to your doctor, as she will want to pay close attention to your food intake to ensure you’re getting the nutrients your new baby requires.

Of course, there are some nutrients and vitamins that all pregnant women need, regardless of what diet they follow. Read on for the foods you shouldn’t miss out on.

Protein: A healthy pregnancy diet should be chock-full of protein, which will provide you with much-needed energy and is necessary for your baby’s development. Luckily protein is found in a myriad of foods including meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, beans, tofu, legumes, and nuts. Aim for three servings a day.

Calcium: A diet rich in calcium is important for your baby’s development, so aim to up your calcium intake while pregnant. Yogurt, low-fat milk, cheese, fortified cereals, and dark green, leafy vegetables are all great sources of calcium.

Iron: This important nutrient helps boost your baby’s development by fighting the chance of anemia, low birth weight, and premature delivery. A diet that includes beef, pork, dried beans, spinach, and oatmeal should give you the iron you need.

Folic Acid/Folate: A seriously important nutrient for moms-to-be, folic acid supports the placenta and helps prevent spina bifida development, as well as other neural tube defects. You’ll find it in oranges and orange juice, strawberries, leafy vegetables, beets, cauliflower, peas, pasta, beans, and nuts.

Vitamins: Ensuring that you get a full array of other vitamins, including A, C, D, E, riboflavin (or B2), and zinc is a must. The easiest way to fit all of these vitamins into your diet is to fill your plate with veggies, fruits, and whole grains.

When you’re having a baby, it’s important to follow your doctor’s healthy eating guidelines, especially if you follow a specialty diet. If you’re not getting enough nutrients, a supplement may help, but be sure to talk to your doctor before adding these to your daily routine. Remember: The healthier you eat, the better it is for your new baby!

Pregnancy is an amazing time for a new mom, but help is always welcome. While you may be the one carrying the new baby, it turns out there’s plenty your partner can do to support you during your pregnancy and labor. If you’re preparing for a baby, be sure to pass these tips along to dad.

Class time
When preparing for baby, it’s important for new dads to complete a birthing class with their partner, usually during the third trimester. There, you’ll both learn the breathing techniques new moms use during labor. Your partner will also learn about the changes women experience during pregnancy, as well as what to expect once your new baby is born.  

Packing tips
During those last few weeks when you’re preparing for your baby, your partner should have a hospital bag at the ready, too. Here’s what every new dad should pack:

• Change of clothes and toiletries
  
  
• Watch with a second hand for timing contractions
  
  
• Camera and charger, plus a charger for your phone
  
  
• Massage oils to help ease your back pain
  
  
• An iPod or CDs, to play soothing music in the delivery room
  
  
• Snacks, plus money for the vending machine
  
  
• Health insurance card if necessary, pre-registration forms from the hospital, plus a file folder for important paperwork

The real deal
It’s helpful if your partner can help you distinguish between the early stages of real labor and confusing false alarms called Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are muscle contractions that occur irregularly and are felt only in the abdomen. Give him this tip: Braxton-Hicks contractions often slow down or disappear when you switch positions or walk around, while true contractions are felt in the abdomen and lower back, last 30 seconds or longer, and continue to strengthen as time progresses.

Support system
Being a great new dad starts in the delivery room, as new moms need support and encouragement. Your partner can help you get through your contractions using the breathing techniques and pain relief tips you both learned during childbirth class, such as walking around, massaging your lower back, or placing pillows under your back.

Remember that it’s not just your partner who can help you through your pregnancy. Don’t hesitate to enlist the help of other family members or friends. The happier you are throughout your pregnancy and labor, the better it will be for your new baby.

Your pregnancy is one of the most exciting times of your life, but it’s also one of the most exhausting. And it doesn’t help that getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult for moms-to-be, thanks to fluctuating hormones and the discomfort of your growing belly.

It’s important to know that most drugs that are taken to treat insomnia aren’t recommended during pregnancy, since they can harm your new baby’s development. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to counting sheep for nine months. Read on for safe and natural ways to get a better night’s sleep.

Natural sleep tip number 1: Exercise.
Yes, you may feel too tired to even think of working out, but moderate exercise like a brisk walk or a bike ride can help moms-to-be sleep more deeply, and also healthy for your new baby’s development. Just avoid exercising within four hours of bedtime, as that can have the reverse effect and actually keep you awake longer. Exercise is also a natural way to relieve stress, so if worries about your pregnancy are keeping you up, try working them out by working up a sweat.

Natural sleep tip number 2: Stock up on pillows.
Your belly can often get in the way of a good night’s sleep, but plenty of pillows can help support your tummy and back, making sleeping easier. Most doctors recommend that moms-to-be sleep on their sides, so try using pillows to help keep you in this position.

Natural sleep tip number 3: Say “om.”
Meditational, relaxing exercises aren’t just good for your mind during pregnancy. They may also help you get to sleep more easily. Consider signing up for a yoga class, indulging in a prenatal massage, or simply trying some deep breathing exercises at home.

Natural sleep tip number 4: Sip on milk.
A warm glass of milk may help send you to dreamland, as can foods that are high in carbohydrates such as crackers or a slice of bread. And many moms-to-be find that small meals throughout the day are better for sleep than three large meals. Finally, consider skipping spicy, acidic, or fried foods during your pregnancy, as these could contribute to heartburn and keep you awake.

Remember that not all of your sleep needs to be at night. If you can, sneak in naps throughout the day to make up for lost sleep. As a mom-to-be, you probably have a long to-do list as you get your home ready for your new baby, but it’s important to keep your health, including your rest, a priority because it affects your baby’s health too. So feel free to go to bed early or sleep in -- you deserve it!

Like many aspects of pregnancy, your delivery method is a very personal choice. Some women wouldn’t dream of giving birth to their new baby anywhere but a hospital, while others prefer to stay at home. If you’re still deciding what’s right for you, read on for some advice to help guide you.

Hospital births
Even though alternative birth methods may be more popular than ever, the majority of new moms still opt for traditional hospital births. There, doctors help manage your delivery, monitor your new baby’s vital signs, and offer access to pain medications like epidurals if you decide you want them.  

Despite past practice, most hospitals don’t require women to give birth to their new baby lying down. Instead, many hospitals allow new moms to stand, walk, rock, or squat, all of which let gravity work with you -- helping you give birth to your new baby more comfortably. And if you’re a new mom with pregnancy complications or may need a C-section, the hospital might be the safest place for you to give birth. 

Birthing centers
A birthing center could be a good choice if you’ve already given birth without problems, have a low-risk pregnancy, and think that a natural birth could help your baby’s development. Usually, birthing centers are staffed by registered nurses, certified nurse midwives, and doulas. However, doctors may be affiliated with some birthing centers and can provide consultations during complications.

Compared to hospitals, birthing centers may be able to offer you more comfort and control, like laboring in your desired position or relaxing in a hot tub. And speaking of tubs, most birthing centers let new moms give birth in the water: They’re often considered more peaceful for babies -- and laboring in a warm pool could be more comfortable for you, too. Since epidurals aren’t offered, birthing centers rely on pain management techniques like hydrotherapy, massage, and warm and cold compresses.

Home birth
If preparing for your baby and laboring in a familiar environment is important to you, you may be able to give birth at home. During home births, new moms are typically assisted by a midwife or doctor who monitor your vital signs as well as your new baby’s heart rate. When preparing for your baby with a home birth, it’s essential for your health care provider to have a plan in place for getting to the hospital in the event of an emergency. And keep in mind that home births are not considered safe for new moms with pregnancy complications, gestational diabetes, moms who’ve previously had a C-section, or are having multiples.

No matter what birthing option you choose, it’s important to feel comfortable with your labor plan. Prepare for baby’s delivery the best you can, but know that whether you choose to give birth at a hospital or at home with a midwife, you’ll be in good hands.

Your infant’s bedroom isn’t just for sleeping. You and your new baby will spend all hours of the day -- and night -- playing, relaxing, nursing, reading, and yes, snoozing, in the room, so it’s important to create a space that you want to be in too. The easiest way to put together a welcoming baby nursery is to pick a theme and go from there. Here, ten baby bedroom themes that both you and your baby will love.

Baby nursery theme number 1: Modern
An uncluttered, minimalist space makes for a classy baby nursery. But be sure to include some pops of color on the walls, fun accessories, and pictures hung at your child’s eye level. It will help engage your new baby and boost her learning while she’s playing on the floor or lying in her crib.

Baby nursery theme number 2: Baby girl
If a girly nursery is what you’re going for, look for floral patterns, which provide a nice alternative to an over-the-top pink theme. But keep in mind that exposure to traditionally “boy” toys will help boost your new baby’s learning, so be sure to include some toy cars or trains in the toy basket.

Baby nursery theme number 3: Baby boy
On the other hand, if you’re having a little boy you may choose to go with a boyish room. Nautical is a popular trend for boy rooms and a good way to feature the traditional blue color in a fresh and fun way.

Baby nursery theme number 4: Natural beauty
Whether you choose a tree mural or paint the ceiling with faux clouds, a nature-themed nursery can be very soothing. For this nursery theme, keep it simple. An earthy paint color and a few strategically placed paintings, pillows, and throws can go a long way to create a serene environment.

Baby nursery theme number 5: Animal accents
Animal-inspired décor is adorable, and babies love to look at the creatures and critters around their bedroom. Consider placing an animal mobile above the changing table. Every time you change your baby’s diaper, point out the names of the animals to boost your child’s learning (“That’s a horse, and horses say, ‘neigh’”!).

Baby nursery theme number 6: Smart baby
Another way to add an educational element to your new baby’s bedroom is with an alphabet theme. Frame letters of all sizes on your baby’s wall to create an original spin on alphabet art. For a fun learning activity, point out the letters to your new baby while you sing an alphabet song.

Baby nursery theme number 7: Polka party
If you prefer a pattern that doesn’t scream “baby” but is still appropriate for a nursery, polka dots are a good option. You can keep them to a minimum (say, just on his bedding), or, for a fun look, try dotting the walls.

Baby nursery theme number 8: Color splash
If you don’t want to go the traditional pink or blue route, think about focusing the room around a different color. Pale yellows and greens are popular choices.

Baby nursery theme number 9: Character fun
Take a cue from your favorite baby book or cartoon for a character-themed nursery. One sweet option is the Peter Rabbit series. From bedding to wall décor, you’ll be able to find plenty of bunny accessories to adorn your baby’s room.

Baby nursery theme number 10: Organic
An organic, chemical-free environment may be better for your child’s development. If you go this route, choose eco-bedding, organic blankets and throws, and nontoxic paints.

If decorating isn’t your forte, don’t worry. The only things your baby’s nursery really needs are a safe crib and engaging accessories to aid his learning and development. After all, your new baby certainly won’t judge your décor style!