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Exercise While Pregnant
~ Tips and Precautions ~
If you take the time to exercise while pregnant, it can have many benefits to you and your unborn baby, think of how much more you're helping your body to take care of your growing baby.
After all, pregnancy changes your body so much, so you want to do all you can to take care of it, especially since it's what's nourishing your unborn baby.
Exercise while pregnant can be safe, you just need to follow some guidelines. If you've been exercising prior to getting pregnant, you
should be able to continue your workout to a certain degree.
Now, those of us who have or are pregnant KNOW that exercise is the LAST thing on our mind. You're tired enough as it is, right? BUT you CAN benefit considerably from being active during your pregnancy.
NOTE: Exercise during pregnancy does NOT increase your chance for a miscarriage as long as you follow certain guidelines.
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) they recommend at
least 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on most if not all days of the week, unless of course you have a medical problem or pregnancy
complication.
Of course you're tired!...AND you're gaining weight. This is normal during pregnancy, but being active can help provide some relief to your aching body. Exercise and pregnancy fit well together!
It's important that you KNOW that you're NOT exercising to lose weight while pregnant, you're exercising to provide yourself with more energy or reduce backaches, etc...
Never, NEVER, exercise to lose weight during pregnancy.
Don't even worry about losing weight until after you've had your baby. When I was pregnant, I LOVED my growing belly and it was also the only time I didn't have to worry about sucking in my gut, I had an excuse for why my stomach wasn't flat. I loved it.
Exercise during pregnancy can
benefit your health by:
 Helping to prevent or even treat Gestational Diabetes.
Helping to reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling.
Helping to prepare your body for labor and childbirth.
Helping to get you back into shape faster after your pregnancy.
Increasing the blood flow giving you that healthy glow.
Increasing your energy ← definitely a PLUS!
Improving your posture, which helps your back as your belly gets bigger.
Overall, exercise during pregnancy helps you FEEL better.
You should NOT exercise while pregnant if:
 You have a medical problem such as asthma or heart disease.
You notice any bleeding or spotting.
You have a low lying placenta.
Your cervix is weak.
You have a history of early labor.
Make sure to consult with your health care provider when deciding to start or continue any exercise program. Please:
AGAIN...DO NOT EXERCISE TO LOSE WEIGHT WHILE PREGNANT!!
What Exercises Are Safe During Pregnancy?
Most exercises are safe during pregnancy, just make sure to be careful and don't over do it.
After your first trimester, you should NOT do any exercise that requires you to lay flat on your back. Doing this decreases the blood flow to your baby.
According to WebMD, the safest and most productive activities during pregnancy are brisk walking, swimming, indoor stationary cycling, low-impact aerobics (taught by a certified aerobics instructor), and step or elliptical machines. Doing those activities carry little risk of injury and benefit your whole body.
Just make sure that when doing any type of physical activity, you listen to your body. Your body will give you signs when it's time to reduce the level of exercise you're performing.
Bottom Line...
If you exercise while pregnant, it can help to prepare you and your body for labor and delivery. It can help you snap back into shape even quicker afterwards too. Listen to your body and be sure to maintain a safe and healthy exercise program while pregnant.
Exercise while pregnant is healthy for you and it's healthy for your growing unborn baby.
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