Exercise During Pregnancy

RealSavvy News Bytes - Newsletter

Many women wonder if exercising during pregnancy is safe for the baby. Here we give you tips for making sure your next workout is safe-and effective.

Whether you're a regular gym rat or tend to frequent the couch more than the treadmill, working out throughout your pregnancy can be beneficial. From healthier babies to faster births to quicker recoveries, women who exercise while pregnant reap many benefits.

While there appears to be little, if any need for restrictions during pregnancy, says James Clapp, MD, in his book, Exercising Through Your Pregnancy, there tends to be two schools of thought on the topic. The first is very conservative, with physicians suggesting that "stationary cycling and swimming are the best and safest types of exercise for both the mother and baby, because they offer support for the mother and do not require balance or risk abdominal contact with another individual, ball, or other piece of equipment."

The second school of thought, says Clapp, is that "if the woman takes appropriate safety precautions, the risk of injury is minimal for most types of exercise that are usually part of an exercise program."

It's important to listen to your doctor's and midwife's recommendations, especially when it concerns medical decisions that affect you and your baby's health. Talk to her about your desires for a healthy pregnancy, and follow these suggestions for exercising safely and effectively during your pregnancy and beyond.

Listen to your body. No matter what your fitness level, it's always important to listen to your body. Pregnancy in and of itself places many additional stressors on your body. There will be days when a power nap will benefit you as much as going out for your walk.
Work with a professional. Finding a personal trainer or a prenatal/new mom group fitness class will ensure you're exercising within safe guidelines for maximum results.
Ease into it. Thirty minutes of moderate activity most days of the week is a great guideline-if you can do it. If you haven't worked out since the Reagan administration, start off with a smaller goal-say, 15 minutes at a moderate pace-and gradually work up to the larger goal.
Avoid obvious endangerments. Rock climbing and downhill skiing are not recommended during pregnancy. Ditto for horseback riding and scuba diving.
Respect your body's changes. If you're a fitness buff or athlete, you will probably be able to continue with your routine-at least for a while. While there are some women who continue to run till the day of delivery, most women cannot. Keep in mind that pregnancy is just nine months. You've got the rest of your life to push your body to its limits.