"Organic foods are grown without the use of potentially harmful synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fungicides," says Alana Sugar, licensed nutritionist and nutritional consultant to Whole Foods Market. "When an item is labeled 'Certified Organic,' the consumer can be sure that the product purchased has been grown, handled and processed following strict guidelines and standards."

"I've always felt that organic products were a better buy," says Lonnie Brown, a bank teller from Washington, D.C. "The foods taste better, the products are natural and prevent any synthetic materials from having to be produced – which just increases the amount of pollution and garbage – and it helps the economy and the 'little guy' instead of big business."

"I was strictly organic during all three of my pregnancies," Brown says. "I felt that the fact that the amount of pesticides used on the fruits and vegetables – since I ate a lot of these when pregnant – was much, much less then traditionally grown produce, they were better for me and the baby. No one wants to ingest a bunch of bug sprays and fertilizers, especially when they are pregnant. You wouldn't feed it to your baby if she/he was already born."

• Having a diet free of hormones and antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics in raising animals for human consumption may encourage the growth of drug-resistant bacteria in humans.
• Choosing a diet of natural whole organic foods will ensure a diet with an array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibers that are so important for both Mother and developing Baby.
• Organic foods, including those processed and packaged, are free of preservatives, added chemicals, artificial colors and sweeteners that may be potentially harmful.
• Having a diet that is free of genetically engineered foods, foods grown using sewage sludge and foods that have undergone the process of irradiation – all of which can carry risks to both human health and the environment.
• Feeling good about supporting the environment, supporting farmers committed to the same and supporting the health and well-being of herself and her unborn child.

"There are no contraindications or precautions that a woman must take if she is pregnant and wants to include organic foods in her diet," Sugar says. "However, all pregnant women, including those choosing organic foods, should avoid eating raw seafood, unpasteurized juices and unpasteurized dairy products. The USDA also advises pregnant women to avoid eating older, larger fish that have more dark meat, as there is concern that mercury in these fish could harm a developing baby's nervous system. This is in any diet, not just organic."

For many, having an organic lifestyle means including natural methods of healing for common ailments. While this offers no major concern, Sugar states that pregnant women should still trust their doctor's advice. "Continuing the organic lifestyle into medical treatment is common practice," Sugar says. "This can mean turning to supplements and herbal remedies for relief. All pregnant women should naturally take precautions with herbal formulas and dietary supplements. Any health issues that she has should be discussed with a qualified health care practitioner."Even the most dedicated must sometimes stray from their common practice. According to Sugar, when the choice comes down to non-organic or none, the non-organic is the better choice. "Depending on the availability of organic foods in her area, a woman may need to include conventionally grown foods as well, in order to ensure a balanced diet," Sugar says. "A pregnant woman's diet is very important to the development of her baby. She needs to do whatever it takes to ensure good health for both. But it is important to remember that all fruits and vegetables, organic or conventional, should be thoroughly washed, and all meats and eggs must be handled appropriately and cooked to the correct temperature."

"[Organic Food Companies] are committed to having quality organic foods available," Sugar says. "Our commitment reflects our own concern for the quality of our lives and the improvement of our environment. We believe that all of us, including unborn future generations, have the right to safe nutritious foods and a healthy environment in which to live – both now and in the future, with us and each coming generation."