Prior to conception and during pregnancy, a woman, and particularly one with a disability, is recommended to supply her body with good nutrition for many reasons, including to allow the development of a healthy baby, to carry to full term, and to prevent birth defects. While pregnant, she should generally increase her daily caloric intake by about 300 calories. Her diet should contain nutrient-dense foods, such as skim milk, low-fat cottage cheese, lean meats, cheese, eggs, and dark green vegetables, as well as a diet high in whole grains, cereals, fruits, and vegetables to help obtain the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients the woman and fetus require.

Note that mega-doses of certain vitamins are not recommended during conception and pregnancy. Discuss the need for multi-vitamins and folic acid with your physician. Also, use of Vitamin A supplements should be avoided during pregnancy to prevent birth defects.

Other helpful Web sites on pregnancy and nutrition include: 4Women.gov, the National Women's Health Information Center ( http://www.ncpad.org/680/2985/2004-07-22#7), the Food and Nutrition Information Center ( http://www.ncpad.org/680/2985/2004-07-22#8), with information on diet, folic acid and vitamin supplements, diabetes, weight gain, and more. Test your knowledge on needs for folic acid during pregnancy ( http://www.ncpad.org/680/2985/2004-07-22#9) and calculate a good weight for your pregnancy at http://www.ncpad.org/680/2985/2004-07-22#10.

Consult NCPAD's fact sheet on pregnancy and exercise at http://www.ncpad.org/17/94/Exercise~During~Pregnancy and view other resources at NCPAD's Illinois Center on Health Promotion, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Disability Web site at http://www.ncpad.org/content/12/Health~Promotion~Nutrition.