Exercise During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

The same way exercise is beneficial to the health of non-pregnant individuals, exercise can have health benefits for pregnant women as well. Studies have shown that exercise may help prevent the development of diabetes in pregnancy particularly in women who are overweight. Additionally, maintaining a regular exercise routine during the pregnancy helps women stay in shape so that they do not have to start from scratch again once the baby is born. A thorough medical evaluation should be performed for previously inactive women who want to start exercising during the pregnancy. Women who exercise regularly when they are not pregnant can continue to exercise when they are pregnant as long as the pregnancy is uncomplicated. Competitive athletes who continue strenuous workouts during the pregnancy should be monitored closely by their obstetrician.

If you would like to exercise e during your pregnancy, here are some tips:
Staying well hydrated is a critical part of keeping healthy levels of blood and oxygen circulating through the system and to the baby. The usual eight glasses of water a day is probably not enough. Pregnant women who exercise should aim to drink about twice that amount.
Monitoring your heart rate during exercise is a good idea. A normal heart rate for a growing baby ranges between 120 and 160 beats per minute. It is logical to try to keep mom’s heart rate below this range in order to prevent significant increases in the baby’s heart rate.
Certain symptoms can serve as warning signs to stop exercising during pregnancy. These include vaginal bleeding, shortness of breath before physical exertion, dizziness, chest pain, preterm labor or contractions, decreased fetal movement and leakage of amniotic fluid.
Activities that should be avoided during pregnancy include scuba diving and activities with a high risk of falling or landing on the abdomen.