Living Environment Regents Practice Test

In addition to a balanced diet, what else can pregnant women do to ensure fetal development?

1. Skip routine doctor visits.

2. Engage in regular exercise.

3. Consume alcohol in moderation.

4. Live a sedentary lifestyle.

The correct answer is: Engage in regular exercise.

Engaging in regular exercise during pregnancy supports overall health and can contribute positively to fetal development. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improves circulation, and can enhance mood and energy levels. Moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga, is generally recommended unless there are specific medical conditions that dictate otherwise. It's important for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare providers to create an appropriate exercise plan that aligns with their unique health status and pregnancy. Choosing to skip routine doctor visits is detrimental to both maternal and fetal health, as these visits provide essential monitoring and guidance throughout the pregnancy. Consuming alcohol, even in moderation, poses risks to fetal development and can lead to serious issues such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. A sedentary lifestyle generally does not promote optimal health during pregnancy, and can lead to complications such as excessive weight gain and gestational diabetes. Therefore, regular exercise stands out as a beneficial practice in addition to maintaining a balanced diet for pregnant women.