| If you've come to this article, it's more than likely you or | | | | aerobics class is also very beneficial. Stay away from |
| a loved one will be expecting a baby. Exercise should | | | | any form of exercise that causes changes in |
| not be out of your regimen. Exercising while pregnant | | | | weight-distribution, balance, or coordination. An example |
| was always looked down upon in the past. Still to this | | | | of this is outdoor biking. You don't want to increase |
| day, my pregnant clients will get evil stares from older | | | | your risk of falling while pregnant. First and foremost |
| women in the gym. Don't let these looks turn you | | | | think of the baby. Exercise done properly is always |
| away from exercise. You'll only be helping your baby. | | | | best. |
| Exercise isn't just for athletes. | | | | The American College of Sports Medicine |
| It is recommended to exercise while pregnant as long | | | | recommends: |
| as you're healthy and your doctor approves it. | | | | - Stay well hydrated before, during, and after exercise |
| Exercising while pregnant has many benefits such as: | | | | - During the first trimester especially, avoid heat and |
| - feeling better physically and emotionally | | | | humidity. This is when the fetus is undergoing its most |
| - prevents excess weight gain, allowing you to get to | | | | important growth. |
| your pre-pregnancy weight much easier | | | | - Avoid heavy lifting |
| - builds stronger muscles, bones, and joints which helps | | | | - Stop exercise if you're feeling fatigued |
| when carrying the extra person | | | | You want to be able to hold a normal conversation |
| - helps prevent gestational diabetes | | | | during cardio. Any more intense than this is too much. I |
| - relieves stress | | | | also recommend sitting while lifting. If you stand, blood |
| - builds stamina needed for labor | | | | can pool in your legs and cause dizziness. Also avoid |
| Pregnant women who have been involved in an | | | | lying flat on your back or stomach after the first |
| exercise program can continue with their regular | | | | trimester. By lying down, you can restrict the blood |
| exercise programs, providing they have no health | | | | flow to the uterus and endanger the baby. Exercise |
| problems. If you haven't been involved in an exercise | | | | the recommended way and you won't have to worry |
| program, now is a good time to start. The exercise | | | | about these conditions. |
| regimen will be easier during pregnancy so it will be a | | | | Here are some warning signs to keep in mind when |
| good transition to full effort exercise after the arrival of | | | | exercising while pregnant. If you experience any of |
| the baby. Exercise can fatigue a pregnant women | | | | these, stop exercising: |
| more easily. This is common even early in pregnancy. | | | | - pain in lower pack or pelvic region |
| Make sure to eat properly and get enough fluids while | | | | - excessive fatigue |
| pregnant with an exercise regimen or not. You should | | | | - dizziness |
| be eating small meals throughout the day. A sedentary | | | | - shortness of breath |
| pregnant women requires around 3,000 calories per | | | | - vaginal bleeding |
| day after the first trimester. Her caloric requirements | | | | - difficulty walking |
| will be higher if she is active. You have to eat more to | | | | - contractions |
| supply the baby. Exercise will cause you to require | | | | - decreased fetal movement |
| even more calories. | | | | - rapid heart rate at rest |
| There are precautions when exercising while | | | | Once again, Congratulations! Now get to work and |
| pregnancy. Exercise intensity should never be higher | | | | stay fit. Remember, before beginning any exercise |
| than it was before becoming pregnant. Yoga, walking, | | | | program, especially while pregnant, consult a physician |
| the stationary bike, and aquatic exercises are all great | | | | first. Stay tuned for an upcoming article on a |
| ways to exercise while pregnant. A low impact | | | | pregnancy routine! |