your tips & to do's:

Have you heard that pregnant women should not change cat litter? It may sound strange, but it's true. Changing cat litter may put you at risk for a parasitic disease, called toxoplasmosis, which can cause pregnancy problems and serious birth defects. The solution isn't to get rid of your cat! The most important thing to do is get someone else to change the litter box (we know how much you'll miss the daily scooping). If there isn't anyone else to do it for you, wear rubber gloves while you scoop and change it. And when you are done... wash. your. hands.

Another thing to pay particular attention to is this, Eating uncooked meat and unwashed vegetables can cause toxoplasmosis, too. To ensure you and your baby avoid toxoplasmosis, cook all meats thoroughly, wash every cutting board and utensils that come in contact with the raw meat, and scrub your vegetables well before eating them.

It's time to prepare for your first prenatal doctor visit.

It will probably take place at some point between weeks 8 and 10 of pregnancy. It doesn't matter if you are seeing a new doctor or remaining with your regular OB, as long as you're receiving regular prenatal care. Your health should be one of your highest priorities. Ask questions and do your research to ensure you enjoy the healthiest pregnancy possible. Expect the midwife or doctor's office to ask you for a lot of information, such as your personal and family history of any past conditions or problems that could threaten your pregnancy.

They will want to know when you last had your period and any pregnancy symptoms you're experiencing. They may take a urine sample, or a blood sample if procedure calls for it. They will give you a routine exam, and possibly an ultrasound (which is a painless and noninvasive). If they use an early ultrasound, it will be performed trans-vaginally. This means a wand is inserted into your vagina and emits sound waves. These waves then bounce off the fetus to create a beautifully clear image, which is normally displayed on a ultrasound monitor. The ultrasound will help your midwife or doctor confirm a normal pregnancy – or multiple pregnancies! – and identify the age, heart rate, and due date of your little one(s). The ultrasound will help them to rule out potential complications, like an ectopic pregnancy, and examine the health of your pelvis, placenta, and uterus.

At some point during this first appointment, your midwife or OB doctor should provide you with information about the various screening tests available. These tests detect certain complications, diseases, and abnormalities. Don't make any on-the-spot decisions about which tests you do or don't want. Instead, go home and think about it. Talk with your partner. Do more research. Talk to experienced moms and other moms-to-be. This appointment is also an opportunity to ask your doctor which foods, activities, and medications are safe, and which are not, during pregnancy. If you have questions about your diet and weight gain, want a prescription for prenatal vitamins, or think of any other questions and concerns, ask them while you are there. If you forget and think of more afterwards, simply keep a tiny notebook in your purse and jot down each question as it comes to you, for your next appointment. If the question is urgent, call your midwife or doctor's office. They want to help you.