Nearly one-third of the United States population has recently purchased an organically grown food product, according to the United States Dietary Association (USDA). As a "natural" or organic lifestyle becomes more popular, more and more women are finding that the thought of a healthier, thus organic, pregnancy seems best for both her and her baby. Once thought to be the lifestyle of hippies, tree-huggers and naturalists, the concept of partaking in an organic lifestyle is now more commonplace than Starbucks.

The Organic Lifestyle Shopper Study 2000, conducted by the Hartman Group market research firm, reports that the top five motivators for organic food and beverage purchases are health and/or nutrition, 66 percent; taste, 38 percent; food safety, 30 percent; environment, 26 percent; availability, 16 percent. But what exactly is an organic food?

"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."

However, the term "organic" applies to many things beside foods. Taking on an organic lifestyle incorporates the term into every aspect.

"Choosing an organic lifestyle can mean a lot more to a committed person than just choosing an organic foods diet," Sugar says. "For many people, this includes purchasing organic cotton clothing, bedding, linens and more. An organic lifestyle is one that supports the health and well-being of the planet, both now and in the future. It helps to protect the overall quality of the water on the planet, to protect individual health, as well as, of course, helping small farms to thrive."

"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."

Partaking in an organic lifestyle during pregnancy is no different than if not pregnant. Just as a person taking on an organic lifestyle is very conscious regarding her choices and purchases, a pregnant woman does the same when having an organic pregnancy.

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