Chris Taylor, MD Harrison Arkansas

Exercise During PREGNANCY

Three Good Reasons to Exercise During Pregnancy

Now, more than ever, staying active and including at least 30 minutes of exercise to your day will benefit you in a number of ways.

1. More energy, less fatigue

Exercise can improve your muscle tone and endurance, too, which will come in handy during labor and delivery. It will also be easier for you to sleep well, and having more energy can do wonders for your mood.

2. Prevent excess weight gain

Exercise can help you maintain proper posture and make you less prone to backaches, bloating and swelling, and constipation. Staying fit will make it easier for you to shed excess pounds after your baby is born, too. (A reminder: Pregnancy is NOT a good time to exercise to lose weight!)

3. Gestational diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, regular exercise and a healthy diet are particularly important to the health of both you and your baby.

What kinds of exercise are okay during pregnancy?

First of all, the advice given here is general and may or may not be appropriate for you. Before beginning or continuing an exercise program, it is very important that you consult with your prenatal care provider, who will be familiar with the course of your pregnancy and your particular risk factors. Your provider can also tell you what danger signs mean you should stop exercising.

In general, however, pregnant women should:

  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day
  • Stretch muscles and warm up before exercising
  • Exercise moderately and avoid overdoing it
  • Allow your heart rate to return to normal by ending the exercise session with a 5 to 10 minute “cool down” period of reduced activity
  • Avoid high-impact or bouncy exercise that may injure joints “loosened” by pregnancy hormones
  • Avoid movements that are uncomfortable
  • Avoid exercise that involves rapid movements and changes in balance that increase your risk of falling
  • Avoid contact sports
  • Wear a bra that properly supports the breasts during exercise
  • Use common sense by drinking enough water to avoid dehydration, dressing comfortably to avoid overheating, and refraining from outdoor exercise during hot and humid weather