Hey Mary,

- Melodie

Dear Melodie,

This is an exciting (and probably somewhat scary!) time in your life, whether you're expecting your first or your fifth (or somewhere in between) bundle of joy. Strange things are happening to your body and to your emotions, and sometimes you probably wonder what in the world is going on. But it's okay. All of that is perfectly normal. So just hang in there, and see if some of these tips don't help make things a little easier.

Tips for Staying Healthy (and Sane!) during Pregnancy:

From the moment you learn, or suspect, that you are pregnant, there are a number of things that you can do to take care of yourself and help make sure that this is one of the most exciting and happiest times of your life (as it should be!). While you're pregnant, make sure to:

Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Your doctor will give you guidelines indicating the kind of diet you should follow while you're pregnant, so be sure to eat what you're supposed to. In addition, stay well hydrated to help you look and feel your best. Morning sickness can cause dehydration, which can give you unsightly dark circles under your eyes. Drinking enough water will help to prevent this.

Get plenty of rest. Another way to avoid dark circles under your eyes and to maintain your health and vigor is to get enough sleep and to rest when you need to. Take short breaks during the day, whether that's putting up your feet, closing your eyes and resting your head on your arms, lying down, or whatever is most helpful and comfortable for you.

Exercise. Your physician should also give you recommendations on what types of physical activity you can participate in and for how long during the different stages of your pregnancy. So be sure to do it! Exercise not only helps to keep you healthy, but it makes you feel better, too.

Find clothes that are comfortable, that fit your style, and that you feel good wearing. You have a lot more options than women did 20 years ago, so take advantage of it. You can still look cute and fashionable, even when your body's shaped a little differently.

Try a new hairstyle. This is a great way to boost your morale halfway through your pregnancy (or whenever). If you have had long hair, try a short, simple cut that will be easy to care for. If your hair is short now, try growing it out and trying different 'dos. If you find that your hair is thinning during the pregnancy, try the Lasertron Hair Rejuvenation System to restore your hair's vitality and thickness.

Get help around the house. If you've been doing most or—even worse, all—of the work around the house, it's time to enlist some help. You can't do everything on your own, and you shouldn't have to try. Plus, you'll need even more help once the baby arrives, so give your loved ones some time to get used to the idea by starting to share the work now.

Similarly, accept help in general when it's offered, and don't be afraid to ask for it if you need it. You don't have to do this on your own, after all!

Be sure to keep up on your appearance as this is an excellent way to boost your overall sense of health and satisfaction. A great way to do this is with the Lavanya Skin Treatment Combo, especially if it is hard to get to the salon during this time in your life. Staying happy with your look is also a great way to stave off the dreaded baby blues.

Continue to participate in your favorite activities (within reason, of course). If you love long walks in the park, make sure you get them. Take time to read your favorite books, even if you feel overwhelmed with all you have to do before the baby arrives — in fact, especially when you feel overwhelmed. Go bowling while you can, or skiing, or hiking; or eat at your favorite restaurant; or order takeout on occasion. Make time for the things that you love, even if you have to adjust some of your favorite pastimes for a while.

Perhaps most important, try to just relax and enjoy this special time in your life. Though nine months may seem like forever right now, it will actually be over quite soon. So make sure to take lots of pictures (even if you don't always think you look your best), take care of yourself, and like I said before, continue to do the things you love. This time is leading up to one of the most precious experiences in your life, so make the most of it!