How are you doing on that Christmas list?  No, not your personal wish list - your gift giving list.  A little stumped on what gift to give the expecting mommy on your list?

Let’s start with what not to give her. Forget about giving her a bikini, high heels or gift certificate to the tanning booth.  Giving clothing to a pregnant woman is just downright dangerous.  If it’s too small, you’ll just remind her of how big she is.  If it’s much too large, she’ll still cry because she thinks you think she’s as big as a house.  To be safe, take a pass on clothing for her this year.

Also on the “what not to give Christmas list for the expectant mom” is anything to do with the baby.  That’s what baby showers are for.  It’s bad enough Mom has to go through her pregnancy with strangers touching her belly; it’s sometimes nice to forget she is pregnant and get her something that she, and she alone would like.

Expectant mothers don’t always feel so hot.  Gifts geared toward pampering the mom are always a huge hit.  Gift certificates for a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage are wonderful gifts.  If you opt for the massage, just make sure the masseuse has a pregnancy table (imagine her trying to flip over on her belly on a standard massage table).

You can never go wrong with chocolate.  That is, unless the expecting mommy has developed gestational diabetes, then it’s not such a good gift.  If you know of any other favorite edible she likes, expecting mommies tend to get hungry often.  How about a large jar of cashews?  Yummy.

Any gift that is given with love will be appreciated; however if you want to give the expecting mommy a gift she’ll really like, get her something that will make her feel special!

As an expectant mother, your top priority should be healthy eating. Many women use their pregnancy as an excuse to “eat for two.” This is the worst possible thing you could do to yourself and your baby.

Here are a few healthy eating during pregnancy tips:

Healthy Eating Tips for Expecting Moms - The American Dietetic Association says that a pregnant woman needs only 300 calories a day more than she did before she became pregnant. This means, on average, you should consume about 2,500 to 2,700 calories per day.

The best foods for healthy eating are of course fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and dairy products. You should try to include something from each of these food groups in every meal.

Caffeine should be avoided at all costs, as it may have an effect on your unborn child. Junk food like chips and chocolate that will affect your weight gain should be eaten in moderation as well. Some pregnant women keep fresh fruit, like red seedless grapes, on hand. They claim these fruits that are naturally sweet help to curb their sweet-tooth cravings for things like chocolate.

Why Healthy Eating is Important for You - Your body is adjusting to carrying this new life inside you. While you will need extra nutrients, you don’t need to eat double. The best thing you can do is incorporate a pre-natal vitamin regimine into your daily life. Taking vitamins will help precisely feed your body the extra nutrients you need.

All too often, pregnant women pack on pounds unnecessarily. They eat in excess, thinking that after they have their baby, all the weight will magically disappear, too. It doesn’t work that way. If you wouldn’t ordinarily eat fast food five times per week, then don’t assume that kind of lifestyle just because you’re pregnant. Adopt well-rounded and balanced meals instead and treat yourself once a week to that craving you’ve had.

This way you’ll be able to keep your weight gain to a healthy level and also provide your baby with all the nutrients he or she needs for the best start in life.

Every pregnant woman complains of this—not getting enough sleep. Most moms have no clue why they can’t sleep, let alone what to do about it. While you may eventually become so tired that you’ll fall asleep, this isn’t a good way to live.

Why Can’t I Sleep?
The biggest reason why you aren’t able to sleep well is because your body is undergoing major changes. Other factors that could disrupt your sleep patterns are lack of exercise, too much exercise, and bad eating habits. Another thing that could affect your sleep is the position in which you sleep on your bed.

What Can I Do to Help Myself?
If you are sedentary, try getting more exercise. Walking is super easy to do. Find a walking partner and walk at least 3 days a week, 30 minutes at a time. Not only is exercise good for your muscles, but it will help prevent excess weight gain and improve your energy levels. It will also prepare you for a healthier labor.

Pay attention to the position you assume when you go to bed at night. Do you sleep on your back? You should always sleep on either side, preferably your left side. If this doesn’t help, try tucking a pillow under your tummy, leg or side.

Calm your mind and body before going to bed.  Try a bedtime routine of a warm bath, adding a little lavender oil will make it smell wonderful and aid relaxation.  Once you finish your relaxing bath have your spouse give you a back or foot massage if possible and then have a nice cup of warm herbal tea.  Camomile or sleepy time are great sleep inducing and calming teas. 

Another thing you could do is try to read a good relaxing book.  I often find this is the easiest way to fall asleep as your mind doesn’t have time to wander. 

I Still Can’t Sleep!
Unfortunately, many pregnant women lose lots of sleep, especially during their last trimester. If you are able, take cat naps during the day. When you feel sleepy, take a nap; don’t fight it. Do your best to sleep as often as possible even if you’re having trouble sleeping through the whole night

I had no idea what to expect from the short video ‘Seventeen Seconds to Sophie’ and I’ll be a good friend and warn you that there is nudity - so shoosh the kidlets into another room.

Watch the video here.

Reba McIntyre’s video ‘You’re gonna be.’ tells the story of a young woman in college who gets pregnant and ends up facing having the baby alone.  She write’s her Mom back home a letter and Mom (Reba) shows up to the hospital after the baby is born.

It’s so sweet :) 

You can watch the video here.