(KUTV) There are a lot of things that a woman needs to think about during her pregnancy, like diet and exercise, and there are a lot of misconceptions out there about what pregnant women can or can't do.

“There are several things that a woman ought to be thinking about just as she is conceiving or just as she has conceived,” Dr. Kenneth Larsen from Alta View Hospital says.

Learning you are pregnant can be exciting, it can also be nerve-wracking for any women. There's a lot to think about, especially when it comes to diet and exercise. The internet is rich with information –but do you know what is fact and what is fiction?

For example: you may have heard to avoid fish during your pregnancy. But doctors say fish is not necessarily off-limits. “She can have fish. Fish that eat other fish like tuna, halibut and trout, you should limit to two servings per week because they can concentrate mercury just a little bit she should avoid raw fish,” Dr. Larsen says.

Deli meats are also okay. “She can have deli meats but she should heat those. If you go to Subway, get a toasted sub,” Dr. Larsen suggests.

It's important that you get plenty of rest and stick to a healthy diet, but you also should exercise during your pregnancy. Doctors say women should start an exercise routine before they conceive.

“Because once you get pregnant you have a hormone that can loosen up your joints a little bit and cause you to pull muscles if you try to institute a new exercise routine,” Dr. Larsen explains.

Swimming, doctors say, is a great exercise, especially for pregnant women.

Now, you should consult with your physician about diet and exercise.

For more information, go to http://intermountainhealthcare.org/hospitals/altaview/services/women/Pages/home.aspx

(Copyright 2012 Sinclair Broadcasting Group) Fact and Fiction About Diet and Exercise During Pregnancy