Guidelines to ensure health of newborns

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 recommended for a healthy pregnancy 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.