Meet parabens, the chemical preservatives listed on labels for shampoos, moisturizers, makeup, and deodorant. (Look for key words: methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, and butylparaben). A 2004 U.K. study found parabens in breast cancer tumors, raising concerns that this common ingredient was being absorbed through the skin or scalp, mimicking estrogen and somehow increasing cancer risk. The FDA stresses that they are only used in small concentrations, and there is no proof that they cause cancer. But, as an expectant mother, if you want to be “better safe than sorry,” a few of VitalJuiceDaily’s paraben-free favorites to pamper your skin include Dr. Hauschka, VedaPure, Weleda, and Erba Organics.

Also see The Cradle’s Ask EcoMom for suggestions on Best Skincare Products.

When shopping for hand sanitizers steer clear of active ingredients like alcohol (it's very toxic if ingested - especially for kids) and Benzalkonium Chloride (linked to respiratory problems). Many soaps (and even cosmetics) use triclosan, a culprit known to disrupt endocrine function (aka hormones). Bottom line: Washing with chemical-free soap and water is still the gold standard, but when that’s not an option, get your hands on botanical-based CleanWell Hand Sanitizer. Thanks to a blend of essential oils like thyme, orange, and oregano, it gets hands spic-n-span without any of the hazardous side effects. Plus, it's Mother Earth-friendly.

Follow these instructions for a great prenatal spinal stretch that can even help get the baby into optimal position for birth:

1. Start on all fours, with wrists underneath shoulders and knees underneath hips.

2. Spine should be a straight line connecting shoulders to hips. Neck is a natural extension of spine.

3. Inhale, drop your belly, and look up to the ceiling for Cow Pose with movement starting in tailbone, finishing in neck.

4. Exhale, round spine, drop head to gaze at navel for Cat pose.

5. Repeat for 5-10 breaths, moving the whole spine. Finish with a neutral spine.

First, grab a piece of fruit or a glass of juice - the sweetness of berries may sometimes be enough to satiate your craving, and a glass of O.J. or grapefruit juice also hits the spot while delivering a dose of vitamin C. If that doesn’t cut it, then try to create a healthy version of what you’re craving. If you think a milkshake sounds tempting, whip up a smoothie with organic milk, orange juice, low fat yogurt, and the fruit of your choice (sprinkle some flaxseeds in there for extra points). If chocolate is your thing, go for dark chocolate for the antioxidant benefits. When you can, buy chocolate that is pre-portioned in small or “fun” sizes so it’s easier to control your intake. If that’s not an option, keep it in the freezer - you’re likely to eat less if you need to wait for something to thaw (or make the trip to the freezer every time you want a bite!).