Helping to ensure a healthy pregnancy

By following some simple advice, pregnant women and those who want to become pregnant can increase their chances for having healthy children.

"It's important to understand that a healthy pregnancy really begins before conception," said Barbara Hughes, a certified nurse-midwife and fellow of the American College of NurseMidwives.

Here are 10 steps for a healthy pregnancy recommended by the March of Dimes, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of babies:

+Get a pre-conception checkup and care throughout pregnancy.

+Learn your family health history and share it with a healthcare provider.

+Take a daily multivitamin with folic acid.

+Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, alcohol and street drugs.

+Check with a healthcare provider before taking any medication, including herbal products.

+Follow a well-balanced diet.

+Establish a moderate exercise program and stick with it.

+Lessen stress as much as possible.

+Discuss testing and treatment for possible urinary or vaginal infections with a healthcare provider.

+Learn the signs of preterm labor and how to respond.

For more tips on healthcare during pregnancy, visit www.marchofdimes.com.

This story is provided by State Point Media.