Exercise And Pregnancy

Who Says Exercise And Pregnancy Don’t Mix?

Exercise and pregnancy definitely go together. Pregnancy is not an excuse for stopping exercise and other physical activities. Exercise is actually beneficial for the mother-to-be and her unborn child. It keeps the mother healthy and at her best. Regular exercise improves posture, and lessens the discomfort often felt by pregnant women in their backs and legs. For women who are suffering from gestational diabetes, exercise helps curb this condition as well as brings relief from stress.

As a pregnant woman, you can combine exercise and pregnancy. If you regularly worked out prior to your pregnancy, you can continue exercising. However, the level of intensity will be different. Exercising at a very intense level may be detrimental to you and your unborn child. Ideally, your heart rate should stay below 140 beats/minutes during exercise.
Before you begin an exercise routine while pregnant, talk to your obstetrician. Seek advice as to what type of exercises you can do safely. Walking is normally considered safe enough for pregnant women. Swimming, stationary cycling, and low-impact aerobics are also recommended. Strength as well as toning exercise are safe to do but should be approved by your doctor. 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily a few days each week is recommended by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Pregnant women suffering from heart diseases, diabetes or asthma, are advised not to engage in exercise. If you suffer from pregnancy-related conditions such as recurrent miscarriage, bleeding or spotting, weak cervix, low placenta, to name a few, exercise is not recommended.

Your obstetrician is the best person to tell you if exercise and pregnancy is advisable in your case. He can give you the proper exercise guidelines after reviewing your medical history and giving you a thorough check up. Exercise and pregnancy is a good combination for as long as you are physically fit and the type of exercises you do are not harmful to your ability to carry your baby too full term.