Kerry Washington: Six Health Tips For First-Time Moms

Health-related tips for pregnant women.

Kerry Washington Is Pregnant! - Scandal star Kerry Washington is reportedly expecting her first child with NFL player husband Nnamdi Asomugha, according to HelloBeautiful. “She’s about four months along,” a friend of the 36-year-old actress says. The surprising pregnancy report follows Washington’s surprise wedding to the San Francisco 49ers cornerback this past summer. No word if Washington’s pregnancy will be worked into the season three plot of the ABC hit drama in which she plays Olivia Pope, a famous Washington, D.C. fixer. —Violet Smith, BlackDoctor.Org.  (Photo: Barry King/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

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Kerry Washington Is Pregnant! - Scandal star Kerry Washington is reportedly expecting her first child with NFL player husband Nnamdi Asomugha, according to HelloBeautiful. “She’s about four months along,” a friend of the 36-year-old actress says. The surprising pregnancy report follows Washington’s surprise wedding to the San Francisco 49ers cornerback this past summer. No word if Washington’s pregnancy will be worked into the season three plot of the ABC hit drama in which she plays Olivia Pope, a famous Washington, D.C. fixer. —Violet Smith, BlackDoctor.Org.  (Photo: Barry King/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

Slash Your Stress - Trying to get pregnant can be very stressful, but the more stressed you are, the harder it becomes to have a baby. So meditate, go for long walks to clear your mind or go for a run. (Photo: Hero Images/Getty Images)

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Relax - Sure, reading about pregnancy during pregnancy has its advantages. But if you’re anything like me, there can be information overload that’s enough to drive you mad. So put the books down – at least once in a while – and either read something totally non-pregnancy related or watch a movie with your honey.(Photo: Hero Images/Getty Images)

Wear Light, Loose Fitting Clothing - The key to staying cool when working out is partly about what you are wearing. Make sure to wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes. Also, opt for workout gear made from a polyester/cotton blend — it will help you cool off easier. 

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Stay Active - Exercise guidelines vary depending on the individual and the pregnancy, but the jury seems to agree that gentle exercise, like walking, is good for just about every expecting mom. Movement helps relieve stress and can ensure you get a better night’s sleep. (Photo: Dexter Browne/Getty Images)

Write a List at Home Before Going to the Store - Isn’t this advice for everyone? But I reckon the thinking behind the suggestion that pregnant women write lists before going to the market stems from a well-known phenomenon called “pregnancy brain,” or the incredible ability of extreme forgetfulness or absentmindedness. Writing a list when you’re stark-raving mad from cravings might just help you satisfy those cravings later.(Photo: Yuri/Getty Images)

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Write a List at Home Before Going to the Store - Isn’t this advice for everyone? But I reckon the thinking behind the suggestion that pregnant women write lists before going to the market stems from a well-known phenomenon called “pregnancy brain,” or the incredible ability of extreme forgetfulness or absentmindedness. Writing a list when you’re stark-raving mad from cravings might just help you satisfy those cravings later.(Photo: Yuri/Getty Images)

Black Women Have Less Success With Fertility Treatments - A new study shows that Black women undergoing in-vitro fertilization are half as likely to get pregnant when undergoing the procedure compared to white women: 17 percent versus 31 percent. It's unknown as to why this disparity exists.  (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images)

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Rest, Rest, Rest - I bet pregnant women get tired of hearing this advice, especially those women who have no extra time to simply rest. But they — whoever they are — say resting and taking naps during pregnancy is quite important for your health. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images

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The Beauty of Juicing - Got a specific health concern? There’s a juice for that! For example, apples are said to help tone and clear skin, parsley stimulates the lymphatic system to reduce puffiness and ginger aids in digestion and reduces inflammation in the body. Do a little research and tailor your recipes to your needs. (Photo:Peter Zvonar/ Getty Images)

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Travel Right - If you’re traveling during your pregnancy, whether it’s a long or short journey, make sure you’re prepared! Grab some small cushions in case you need them, and always keep some snacks on hand.(Getty Images)

Give Yourself a Reward - Set milestones and reward yourself when you meet them. A week without smoking? Treat yourself to a fancy dinner. Tobacco free for a month? Splurge on a massage. (Photo: Gary John Norman/Getty Images)

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Pamper Yourself - Enjoy the last of the “just you” time and treat yourself to a day at a spa that specializes in maternity services. Going to a baby shower? Why not consider getting the mom-to-be a gift certificate for a massage? (Photo: Gary John Norman/Getty Images)