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Vitamin B-12 May Prevent Birth Defects
Vitamin B-12 May Prevent Birth Defects
Women of childbearing age (especially those who are pregnant or trying to conceive) are advised to eat 400 mg of folic acid (folate) daily to prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, from occurring in their babies. New research shows that vitamin B12 may also play a role.  

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Starting and Sticking With It

Stop Failure Before It Starts
-- By Julie Isphording, former Olympian

  • Where are your friends? Four words. Four reasons – motivation, inspiration, determination, conversation. Surround yourself with friends who think positive and live large. Some may have experienced pregnancy before. There is nothing better than a sympathetic ear when you're not feeling your best.
  • Give yourself permission to slow down. You’re driving this bus! For the first time in your day you are in control. Don’t forget, if you can fit in time for the workout, you can squeeze in time for a nap as well.
  • Walk in public. Be proud of your accomplishment. Take in all the sites and be an inspiration to others. You are beautiful, pregnant, and care about your body. Besides, fresh air can be good for you!
  • Just show up. Go to the gym, the class, or the park. Once you’re there, it’s hard to say no. Ninety-eight percent of life is showing up. You’ll feel more accountable if you get involved with something on a regular basis.
  • Eat. Follow a healthy eating pattern. If you limit your caloric intake, you won't have enough energy to work out and your metabolism will slow down. Pregnancy is NOT a good time to start a diet. You could be doing damage to yourself and to your baby.

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    Member Comments About this Article
    "My doctor has encouraged me to exercise during this pregnancy because it helps with increasing energy, sleeping better, and using up the blood sugar. I had gestational diabetes with my last pregnancy so hopefully exercise could help me through this one. My 1st blood sugar test was normal at 12 weeks so I'm hoping that the next one will be normal too. Now I need to establish a routine of exercising regularly." -- ANGELMAE27
    "Well... I was not exercising regularly... Fortunately did not need it before, but was planning for quite a long time now to start... the luck will not last forever. Now when I'm 5 weeks and 1 day and just found out, I don't know what should I do now. I would love to do some yoga or pilates classes for pregnant women, but I am only being told by everyone "Don't start now, it's not safe, the first trimester is not safe to start exercise, you just need to rest!!!..." I am confused... can I start ex..." -- MAMMINA
    "I was told that I could still do cardio but to do it a bit less intensive. So if you do a level 5 on the machine try a 4. Also go by what your body tells you. At 6 weeks and 5 days, my body finally gave me a dizzy spell to tell me to slow down on my cardio machine. I dropped one level and I feel great! The doctor told me it is good for you to keep working out. Enjoy!" -- MCCOLGANM
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    About The Author
    Julie Isphording
    Julie, a former Olympic marathon runner, is an author, radio host and fitness expert.
    Julie Isphording

     


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