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Health, an Avera eNewsletter that provides
you with useful information about having a
healthy pregnancy. To learn more about our
services and pregnancy class schedules, or to
find a physician, visit www.Avera.org.
During Pregnancy Can Help Reduce Time in
Staying active during pregnancy provides many
benefits for you and your baby. Exercise can
reduce morning sickness, give you more energy
and reduce the amount of time you are in labor.
With a little bit of planning, you can safely
exercise throughout your
Before beginning an exercise
routine during your pregnancy, talk to your
doctor or midwife. He or she can give you
suggestions for safe workouts during all stages
of your pregnancy. Once you have your doctor's
approval to begin exercising, listen to your
body. Be sure to drink a lot of water, and stop
immediately if you experience any
Some pregnant women have found
water aerobics or swimming to be easier because
the water helps support the extra weight of the
baby. Walking also is good exercise, and most
women are able to walk daily during pregnancy.
Some fitness centers offer exercise programs
designed for pregnant women.
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Acid Prevents Birth Defects
Before a baby's conception and through the
first trimester, folic acid is important to
reduce the chance of birth defects. If you are
planning to become pregnant or are pregnant,
talk to your doctor about getting enough folic
acid in your diet.
Folic acid, or vitamin
B9, is commonly found in food such as lentils,
fortified breakfast cereals, sunflower seeds and
orange juice. Folic acid helps adults' red blood
cells mature, and in developing embryos, the
vitamin helps develop the brain and spinal cord.
A lack of folic acid can cause neural birth
defects, such as spina bifida.
Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board
recommends taking a folic acid supplement or
multivitamin to meet your and your baby's needs.
The board recommends 400 micrograms of folic
acid a day, which is found in many prenatal
here to learn more about folic acid.
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