DENVER, Colo./In honor of March of Dimes Day on March 10, the organization is sharing with Colorado women the ten steps recommended for a healthy pregnancy.

1 Get a pre-conception checkup and care throughout your pregnancy.
2 Learn your family health history and share it with your doctor.
3 Take a daily multivitamin with folic acid.
4 Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, alcohol and street drugs.
5 Check with your doctor before taking any medication, including herbal products.
6 Follow a well-balanced diet.
7 Establish a moderate exercise program you can stick with.
8 Do your best to lessen stress.
9 Discuss with your doctor testing and treatment for possible urinary or vaginal infections.
10 Learn the signs of preterm labor and how to respond.

“These are steps to take before and during pregnancy,” says Ron Gibbs, MD. “It’s important to understand that a healthy pregnancy really begins before conception.” Dr. Gibbs is E. Stewart Taylor professor and chair of the OB/GYN department at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He is also a nationally recognized infant and maternal health expert and medical chair of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign.

Throughout the month of March, the March of Dimes is making available a free pamphlet, Baby Steps: Your Checklist for a Healthy Pregnancy. The pamphlet includes money-off coupons for multivitamins and other health products. It’s available by calling the March of Dimes at (303) 692-0011, (719) 473-9981 or (970) 243-0894, e-mailing CO611@marchofdimes.com or visiting Super Kmart stores in Aurora, Englewood, Greeley and Thornton.

Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. To achieve its mission, the March of Dimes funds research, education, community services and advocacy. Currently in Colorado, the March of Dimes funds nearly $1.7 million in healthy-baby programs. More information is available at marchofdimes.com/colorado.

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Media contact
Becky Herlinger 
March of Dimes
(303) 692-0011
bherlinger@marchofdimes.com