Pregnancy Exercise

The best exercise for pregnant women need not be strenuous In fact a nice brisk walk swimming Pilates low impact aerobics and yoga are some of the best forms of pregnancy exercise for both women who exercise regularly and those who do not. Before starting any pregnancy exercise regime consult with your health care professional Sometimes it may be advisable to limit your physical activity Some of these medical conditions include

1. A history of spontaneous abortions or premature labor

2. An incompetent cervix

3. Bleeding or persistent spotting during the second or third trimester

4. Placenta previa

5. Toxemia

6. Heart disease

7. High blood pressure

8. Blood disorders

9. The fetus is not thriving

In most cases pregnant women can continue to exercise throughout their pregnancy and women who are accustom to regular exercise can often continue with their customary exercise routine well into their pregnancy

While many exercise activities are safe during pregnancy it is still a good idea to take precautions Avoid activities that may have a high potential for injury such as extreme sports or sports that may lead to hard falls These activities include such as horseback riding waterskiing rock climbing and skating Remember pregnant women are often balancechallenged and should look for ways prevent injury

Do not workout on an empty stomach Preferably eat a snack high in potassium such as a banana shortly before beginning your workout

Dress for the occasion with loose or stretchy clothing and proper fitting exercise shoes that will protect your feet and joints These will help you remain comfortable during your workout and aid in maintaining good balance and form while exercising

Think moderation during pregnancy exercise

Never exercise to the point of exhaustion and listen to your body Pain in the hips pelvis chest or head cramping and dizziness are all signs you may need to slow down or stop for the day Another good indicator that you are overexerting yourself is a pulse rate over 100 beats per minute five minutes after you have stopped exercising

Stay hydrated and cool Avoid exercising in extreme heat or humidity and avoid hot tubs and saunas Activity that raises a pregnant womans temperature more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit is considered dangerous to the fetus because blood is redirected away from the uterus to cool the mothers body

After the first trimester it is a good idea to avoid activities that put you flat on your back or require you point your toes Laying flat on your back can constrict the blood flow to the uterus and point your toes may lead to leg and muscle cramps

For the healthy pregnant woman a sedentary lifestyle is not good for you or your baby Use the time before the birth of your baby to prepare for the physical challenge of labor with some pregnancy exercise