Exercise in Pregnancy

Exercise in pregnancy is to be encouraged and there are only a few types of exercise that we will caution against. These are scuba diving, exercises while lying on your back, and probably heavy resistance weightlifting. Recognize that your center of gravity has shifted and that you are at greater risk of losing your balance, so activities such as skiing and horseback riding present an increased risk of falls. Swimming, walking, and using stationary bicycles are excellent ways for the pregnant woman to maintain fitness.

Strenuous aerobics and jogging are good for women who are already habituated to this exercise, and no adverse effects on the pregnancy have been shown in these women. However, pregnancy-is probably not a good time to initiate exercise of this sort.

Thirty minutes of exercise daily is recommended, at least five days of the week. When exercising, do drink plenty of fluids and do not become overheated. Because you are burning calories by exercising, be sure to take in enough calories to offset those being used up. If you are not maintaining your proper weight gain, you may need to either exercise less or eat more.

If any of the following symptoms or signs occur while exercising, stop exercising and notify your doctor.

-    Shortness of breath
-    Bleeding
-    Chest pain
-    Lightheadedness
-    Headache
-    Leg pain
-    Contractions or abdominal cramping
-    Baby stops moving
-    Fluid leakage from vagina