Maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel your best. Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve your posture and decrease some common discomforts such as backaches and fatigue. There is evidence that physical activity may prevent gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), relieve stress, and build more stamina needed for labor and delivery.
If you were physically active before your pregnancy, you should be able to continue your activity in moderation. Don’t try to exercise at your former level; instead, do what’s most comfortable for you now. Low impact aerobics are encouraged versus high impact.
If you have never exercised regularly before, you can safely begin an exercise program during pregnancy after consulting with your health careprovider, but do not try a new, strenuous activity. Walking is considered safe to initiate when pregnant.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise per day on most if not all days of the week, unless you have a medical or pregnancy complication.
Who should not Exercise during pregnancy
If you have a medical problem, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, exercise may not be advisable. Exercise may also be harmful if you have a pregnancy-related condition such as:
* Bleeding or spotting
* Low placenta
* Threatened or recurrent miscarriage
* Previous premature births or history of early labor
* Weak cervix
Talk with your health care provider before beginning an exercise program. Your health careprovider can also give you personal exercise guidelines, based on your medical history.
When pregnancy dosen't stop you from doing You!
