DENVER, Colo., March 9, 2007 / 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 healthcare provider.
  3) Take a daily multivitamin with folic acid.
  4) Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, alcohol and street drugs.
  5) Check with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, including herbal products.
  6) Follow a well-balanced diet.
  7) Establish a moderate exercise program and stick with it.
  8) Do your best to lessen stress.
  9) Discuss testing and treatment for possible urinary or vaginal infections with your healthcare provider.
10) Learn the signs of preterm labor and how to respond.

“These are steps to take before and during pregnancy,” says Barbara Hughes, a certified nurse-midwife and fellow of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. “It’s important to understand that a healthy pregnancy really begins before conception.” Hughes is director of Exempla Certified Nurse-Midwives at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital. She is also chair of the Denver March of Dimes board of directors and a member of the Colorado chapter board.

Throughout the month of March, the March of Dimes is making available to Coloradans a free booklet, Pregnancy Baby Book: Month to Month a Diary of Your Pregnancy. The booklet (in English and in Spanish) contains information for each month of pregnancy about the developing baby and mom’s changing body, plus tips for mom on how to take care of herself. The booklet is available by e-mailing the chapter office or by calling (303) 692-0011.

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. Learn more about March of Dimes programs and activities in Colorado by visiting marchofdimes.com/colorado.

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