Nutrition
The idea of pregnancy being a time for free-for-all junk food is old news. Of course, a pregnant woman may eat more now that she is eating for two, but eating the right foods during pregnancy is really important for both mom and baby.
A woman needs certain nutrients for a healthy pregnancy, even before she is pregnant. Almost all women need more protein, vitamins and minerals from very early on in pregnancy. Even if your partner eats very healthy foods, it's difficult to get all the essential nutrients needed by both mother and baby by food alone. Doctors recommend a pregnant woman take a daily prenatal vitamin in addition to a healthy diet. These vitamins play a vital role in the development of the baby. For example, adequate folic acid (vitamin B) can reduce your baby's risk of having a neural tube defect, which can be fatal.
Helping your partner plan out healthy meals at the beginning of each week can be a good way to ensure she is getting all the nutrients she and the baby needs. Eating the same meals makes dinner easier for you both.
If you have a time of day where you're usually together, like brushing your teeth, get in the routine of taking a daily multivitamin together.
It may be common knowledge, but alcohol, smoking, and other drugs are damaging to a growing baby. Most doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid these activities all-together.
Even second-hand smoke (being around others who are smoking cigarettes) can be harmful to a baby's development and may cause miscarriages. If you smoke, now may be the perfect opportunity to quit for the health of you and your growing family.