If your thinking of getting pregnant or trying to conceive then this is a great time to start thinking about changing your lifestyle and making healthy choices for you and your baby. Here are a few tips to follow to help your body be in the best shape for pregnancy.

1. Watch what you are eating - Are you eating fruit, vegetables and whole grains? Are you adding calcium rich foods to your diet. Choose leaner meats and poultry. Avoid fatty foods. Make sure to add whole grains to your diet. Add calcium rich foods like: Low-fat yogurt, cheese and milk,

2. Make small changes in your diet. Switch from whole milk to low-fat milk, white bread and pasta to multi-grain products. You can even buy multi-grain or whole wheat chips and pretzels.

3. Quit smoking! Avoid second hand smoke.

4. Make sure to get plenty of sleep. Adults need 8-9 hours a night.

5. Add exercise into your daily routine. If you don't exercise regularly then start slowly. Walking everyday is a great start.

6. Try to avoid stress. We all know it's impossible to live a stress free life but try to avoid stressful situations. Learn to relax by taking short walks, naps, listening to relaxing music, take a bath, read a book, go to lunch with a friend, etc.

7. Get a physical - when was the last time you had a Doctor's appointment? Make sure your in the best shape possible before you get pregnant.

8. Add a multivitamin with Folic acid to your diet.

9. Fiber - add beans, fruit,veggies and a high fiber cereal to your diet.

Having a healthy lifestyle before, during and after pregnancy is so important to you and the baby. Be a good role model for your baby. Incorporate these tips into your daily routine. These small changes will bring positive results. It takes about a month to form a new habit. In a month, you can be making healthy choices for you and the baby. Have your partner make these changes with you. Having a supportive partner will make these changes easier to come by.