Herbal teas can be refreshing and relaxing, but for a pregnant individual, not always recommended. Not all herbal teas are good to ingest during the period of pregnancy and breast feeding. Some teas contain dissolved substances which can have a drug-like effect on the body, including your unborn baby. Some herbal teas can have negative side effects, ranging from allergies, dizziness, headache or nausea to toxic reactions or stimulation of the uterus.It is recommended that safe herbal teas should only be consumed a maximum of 2-3 times daily. 

Herbals teas generally considered safe are:
lemon balm
orange peel
ginger
linden flower
rose hip

Herbal teas generally NOT considered safe are:
calamus root
chicory root
coltsfoot comfrey
dong quai
elder flowers feverfew
ginseng
goldenseal
groundsel
hawthorne berries
kombucha tea
juniper berries
licorice
life root (rag wort)
lobelia
mistletoe
pennyroyal
pokeroot sassafras
St. John's wort
uva ursi (bearberry)
spearmint
peppermint
chamomile
fennel teas

Exercise is very important during pregnancy but this can prove to be difficult if you're not getting the adequate sleep that you need during the night. The video below (from ehowhealth) will help shed some light on what can be done to ensure a comfortable and restful night's sleep.

This is a common issue that can occur for some during pregnancy. It is caused by the hormonal changes that one experiences during pregnancy. Pressure is placed on the colon by the enlarging uterus and this can often cause the colon to be displaced making bowel movements difficult.
By making small changes in your diet and exercise routine you can aid in alleviating the discomfort:

- Include more whole grains, vegetable, fruits and legumes such as beans, lentils and peas. The added fiber will help you 'move' more regularly.
- Consume warm or hot fluids, ensure that you are getting you adequate 8 - 12 cups of fluid a day (this can include cooler liquids as well).
- Keep moving; maintain an active lifestyle which can include walking, strength training and stretching.
- Avoid using laxatives. You should only use them if they are prescribed to you by your doctor or physician.

Do you know exactly what it is and how it occurs?

There are several issues that can occur during pregnancy. One of them is called Gestational Diabetes. It occurs when a hormone that the placenta produces, called progesterone, alters the way insulin functions in the body. You may already know that insulin is responsible for bringing glucose to the cells of your body, however, if there is a malfunction with insulin production and circulation, for various reasons, then blood glucose levels become dangerously high. When this happens a pregnant individual is diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
If this condition is not controlled it can develop further into a condition called macrosomia. With macrosomia, babies can grow disproportionately large. Adding to this, other complications for the baby can arise, namely:
- Baby being to big to be born vaginally (Cephalopelvic disproportion)
- Hypoglycemia
- Low calcium and magnesium levels
- Too many red blood cells (Polycythemia - mild or severe)
- Jaundice
- Breathing difficulty

If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is advised to seek or request close monitoring from your doctor or physician. You may also have to get clearance from your doctor in order to participate in vigorous or mild physical activity, depending on the severity of your gestational diabetes. The reason for this is because although exercise increases glucose uptake and can often alleviate some of the symptoms of gestational diabetes, your doctor will be able to tell you how much you should be doing in order to be safe during your pregnancy.

So you're pregnant, you're feeling tired, grumpy and uncomfortable. The last thing you want to think about is working out. I'm sorry to tell you this but..... you need to. The majority of women think that it is not necessary and a burden to exercise during pregnancy but the fact is there are a number of benefits acquired from a routine exercise program.

www.babies.sutterhealth.org has provided a list of benefits that you should keep in mind and be aware of:

Benefits of exercise during pregnancy

• Improved posture and appearance
• Relief of back pain
• Stronger muscles in preparation for labor and support for loosened joints
• Improved circulation
• Increased flexibility
• Increased/maintained aerobic endurance
• Increased energy level and less fatigue
• Decreased muscle tension that promotes relaxation
• Promotion of feelings of well-being and a positive self-image

So do yourself and your new born a favor, and up and GET MOVING!!

Kim Lyons talk to FitnessRx Magazine about staying fit during pregnancy as well as her personal feelings about the experience. Have a look at the behind the scenes photo shoot taken from fitnessrxmag.com (Posted December 2, 2010)

Due to maternal energy requirements, pregnant women need to eat prior to exercise. However, due to gastrointestinal changes, eating too closely to a bout of exercise, can prove to be a pain. Caution should be given when eating directly before exercise, as the shift in blood flow away from digestive organs and toward the working muscles will aggravate heartburn symptoms. It is important to eat a light snack one to one and a half hours before the workout or exercise class. This should help get rid of or stop the problem.