Exercise During Pregnancy: How Much? What Kind? Here's What Pregnant Moms Need to Know by Dr. John Thoppil

In most cases, exercising during pregnancy is safe and even recommended. Women who were physically active before becoming pregnant can generally continue to be active – though perhaps not at the same level – as long as it is comfortable and there are no complicating factors. Those who did not exercise regularly before pregnancy are generally advised by their healthcare provider to begin a program of moderate exercise. Regular exercise is beneficial for expectant mothers. It can reduce the effects of some of the common discomforts of pregnancy, such as backache and fatigue, it can improve energy and mood, and it can help build the stamina needed for labor and delivery.

• Which exercises are best during pregnancy? The safest exercises for pregnant women are those that have the least risk of injury, involve the entire body, and are easy on the joints and muscles. Good choices include brisk walking, swimming and water workouts, stationary cycling, low-impact aerobics, and yoga and Pilates that have been modified for pregnant women. Women who are experienced joggers or racket-sports players may be able to continue those activities with medical approval.
  

• Which activities should be avoided? Activities that increase the risk of injury include those most likely to cause a fall, such as snow or water skiing, surfing, horseback riding and gymnastics; contact sports, such as softball, basketball and volleyball; and any exercise that includes jarring motions, rapid changes in direction or extensive jumping, hopping or bouncing. Changes to the body during pregnancy must be taken into account in choosing exercises. For example, your center of gravity changes, particularly late in pregnancy, affecting balance and making falling more likely; that's why stationary cycling is safer than a standard bicycle. Also, pregnancy hormones make the joints more flexible and subject to injury, which explains why sudden movements and high-impact motion are best avoided.

• How much exercise is recommended for pregnant women? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, which could be 30 minutes all at once five days a week or broken up into smaller increments during the day. Those who are new to exercise should start with as little as five minutes a day and add five minutes each week, working up to 30 minutes of sustained activity.

• When should exercise be avoided or stopped? Exercise may be inadvisable for women with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or asthma, or for those with high-risk pregnancies due to a history of miscarriage, pre-term labor, or cervical insufficiency. Exercise should be stopped and a doctor consulted in the presence of warning signs such as dizziness or feeling faint, rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest or abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding or fluid leakage, muscle weakness or any unusual or sudden physical irregularity.
  

Here are precautions and guidelines for exercising during pregnancy:

• Don't exercise in hot, humid weather or to the point of exhaustion.

• Drink lots of water before, during and after exercising.

• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes, a supportive bra and shoes that provide good ankle support.

• Eat a healthy diet that includes a lot of fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates; don't start exercising until at least one hour after eating.

Staying active during pregnancy is important and beneficial. Exercise strengthens the muscles, conditions the entire body, helps to maintain health, and keeps the pregnant woman feeling her best. Staying fit will help the expectant mother give her child the best opportunity for a healthy start in life. 

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire and be inspired.