Healthy Pregnancy Diet Guidelines

Steps for a healthy pregnancy.

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The Pre-Pregnancy Plan

Keep moving

Doctors used to advise pregnant women to avoid exercise; now they know that moderate activity throughout pregnancy helps prevent excess weight gain, improves sleep and reduces pregnancy-related problems, such as back pain, swelling and constipation. You still should get a green light from your doctor before launching into any new exercise regime (or continuing your old one), particularly if you have a condition like high blood pressure. Generally, though, experts advise healthy pregnant women to get 30 minutes or more of daily moderate physical activity (e.g., brisk walking or even jogging at a pace that allows you to comfortably carry on a conversation). In any case, you should stop exercising and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: outflow of amniotic fluid, chest pain, vaginal bleeding, headaches, swelling in the legs or feet, back pain, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain or uterine contractions.

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