Exercise and Pregnancy

Last week, we had several emails, but I had one from a woman about exercising while pregnant. Consulting with the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, I verified the following little known facts to the commonly asked questions:

I'm newly pregnant and could be in better shape. Is it safe to start an exercise program now? It's important to review your exercise plan with your doctor before you begin. Pregnancy isn't the time to try to start a rigorous routine. However, if you aren't in a high-risk pregnancy group, you can pursue an exercise program at a mild to moderate level. For beginners, exercise three days a week, preferably with a day between workouts, for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. These are some of the recommended exercises that you can do if you are pregnant.

 Walking: This exercise is the best, and it is the perfect way to get started if you didn't exercise before pregnancy.

 Low-impact aerobic classes: These classes have about the same benefits as walking, unless you perform some upper body resistance workouts with dumbbells too.

 Swimming: This is a great form of exercise since it uses many different muscle groups and puts less gravitational strain on your joints. Furthermore, the water supports your weight, giving your lower back a temporary reprieve from the strain from your new stomach.

 Jogging: Heading out for a run is fine in moderation and if you did it regularly before your pregnancy. Jogging does present a greater risk for falling down, so take care.

There are exercises you should avoid: High-risk sports and activities with a potential for hard falls, such as horseback riding or even bike riding are strictly off-limits to pregnant women. Some other forms of exercise also need to be modified. For instance, ride a stationary bike instead of a real bike.

Keep your fitness regimen fun and safe while pregnancy by utilizing the following tips:.

 Be particularly careful to eat properly. Being pregnant means you need an additional 300 calories a day.

 After the first trimester, avoid sit-ups and other exercises done while flat on your back--this can decrease the blood flow to the uterus. Weight lifting or any other exercise where you might be tempted to stand motionless for long periods can also decrease blood flow to the torso and head and cause blackout very quickly. Keep moving: change positions, or step back and forth.

When is doubt, ask your doctor.