1. Calcium

As an adult woman, you need about 1,000 milligrams of calcium every day. You get the majority of your calcium in dairy products. One 8 ounce glass of milk has 300 mg of calcium, and you can find 300 mg of calcium in a cup of yogurt. Other significant sources of calcium are cheese, collard greens, broccoli and oranges. Just remember, not only are you keeping your own bones healthy, you're building your baby's as well!

2. Iron

Think, strong! You need to have plenty of iron in your blood to prevent anemia and the feeling of being so weak you can't do anything. You need your strength to help you take care of that baby! A diet rich in iron consists of rich greens, whole grains and lean proteins. This is your exclusive ticket to a huge steak, baked potato, and of course, you need to slip in some greens in that diet as well. If you can't stomach things like this, make sure to take an iron supplement.

3. Folate

Folate is a vitamin in the "B family" and it's very important, especially during pregnancy. It helps to prevent some birth defects and helps the overall health of your baby. You need about 1,000 mg of folate a day in your diet. To get it, you're going to turn, once again, to the leafy, green veggies and fruit such as oranges, melons and strawberries. Whole grains donate as well. You'll find some in your prenatal vitamins, too.

4. Folic Acid

As with the other things listed in this article, folic acid is important to the growth of your baby, and can be found in a variety of foods, from meat, fruits and veggies and beans, as well as whole grains. However, to ensure you get enough of this important vitamin, make sure to take your daily prenatal vitamins. They're the best way to get enough nutrients to take care of yourself and that tiny being growing inside you!

5. Protein

You need 75 to 100 grams of protein every day while pregnant. Protein is essential to the proper growth of your baby. You need to be a meat eater and snack on nuts to get the protein you need. If you refuse to eat mean, at the very least, try tofu. You can also get some protein in your dairy products, just not as high. Once again, a good beef steak is your best choice!

6. Indulgence in Cravings

No matter what it is, (as long as it's actually an edible food) you should satisfy your cravings. There is nothing wrong with it, and it's quite fun, in truth! Just be sure to watch your intake of sugars, and don't go overboard.

7. Water

It's extremely important that you get enough water while you're pregnant. The general rule is 8 8-ounce glasses of water a day, which, of course, is 64 ounces. However, going by what doctor's have said about the amount of water you need, 64 ounces is only enough water for a person weighing 128 pounds. To find out how much water your body needs, take your body weight and divide it by 2. The result is the amount of ounces you need in a day - half of your weight in ounces. Sounds like a lot, but if you make it a lifestyle change, you'll do fine. Another option to switch up your water a bit is to get "MiO." You can get them at your local grocery store in the area where you find Kool-aid and other water additives. MiO, unlike, other additives, is a more natural additive, and the little bottle will fit in your purse and give you 24 servings. In my opinion, they taste much better than the pre-flavored bottled water, and they come in a variety of great flavors. However you do it, drink lots of water! Don't dehydrate - it is one cause of premature birth.

Top Photo Credit: Alex Bramwell