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1. A little caffeine OK during pregnancy

   Drinking one or two cups of coffee daily does not appear to increase a pregnant woman's chances of miscarriage. Consuming the amount of caffeine in five or more cups of coffee per day may double the miscarriage risk, however. One-and-a-half to two cups of brewed coffee or two cups of brewed tea contain about 200 milligrams of caffeine. Remember that caffeine is also found in chocolate, colas and certain medications.

2. Preventing incontinence naturally

   Pregnancy can weaken pelvic muscles, which in turn can lead to urinary incontinence. Exercising the pelvic floor muscles for five minutes a day can help you maintain or regain bladder control. These exercises, known as Kegel exercises, involve the same muscles you use to stop the urine stream while urinating. To perform Kegel exercises, lie on the floor and while keeping your other muscles relaxed, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles and hold for a count of three. Then relax for a count of three. Work up to 10 to 15 repetitions per exercise session.

3. Exercise during pregnancy

   If your pregnancy is normal and you have no serious medical problems, exercising gently is probably safe. But check with your doctor first-especially if you did not exercise before you became pregnant. Exercising can make you feel better and help you avoid excessive weight gain. If your doctor approves, you can start exercising at a level that does not cause pain, shortness of breath or excessive fatigue. Then slowly increase your activity but not to the point where you feel uncomfortable, short of breath or very tired.

4. You're pregnant. Now what?

   See your obstetrician as soon as possible, and schedule at least four prenatal visits before the baby is born. Look into getting immunized against tetanus to protect you and your baby. Don't take any medication unless it is prescribed or recommended by a trained health care professional who knows you are pregnant. Take iron-folate tablets to protect you against anemia and to reduce the risk of birth defects. Contact your doctor if you develop any symptoms, including severe pain, blurred vision, vaginal sores or vaginal bleeding.

5. Avoiding multiple births

   In vitro fertilization (IVF), in which sperm and egg are joined in a laboratory dish, traditionally carries a higher risk of multiple births, and multiples create high-risk pregnancies. When selecting an IVF clinic, ask to see documentation of the clinic's singleton birth rate as well as its overall delivery rate of healthy babies. If you are having an IVF procedure, make sure your physician implants no more than one or two pre-embryos at a time.