ELLEN, journalist and anti-athlete: The best advice for exercise during pregnancy involves lifting that fork to your mouth. Eating nutritious foods is key, and I am amazed at how many pregnant women still don't understand this.

It's certainly OK to give in to a craving once in a while. But don’t gorge on chocolate like I did when I was pregnant because the empty calories won’t help the baby and you will have to work hard to get back to a good weight after delivery.

Drinking alcohol or using nonprescription drugs is very dangerous. My mother and her friends drank serious cocktails when we were all in utero, and we all turned out fine. But all the experts warn against this. Maybe my cohorts and I would be rocket scientists if our mothers had been drinking milk.

When I was pregnant almost 20 years ago, exercise was discouraged by our families. Now, as Heather and Barbara point out, we know more about the good effects of exercise, and several local hospitals and exercise clubs offer classes for pregnant moms. Call one closest to you.

There are also literally thousands of books and Web sites that offer advice and try to sell you items. Two that have Philly ties are www.expectantmothersguide.com and www.philly.babyzone.com The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Book of Pregnancy and Child Care is available at www.josseyboss.com. A stroll down the aisle of the local bookstore or library will yield many titles, and everyone has her favorite. Click on Add Your Own below and share your tips and resources.

Posted April 15, 2003 01:27 AM