Women often stop their exercise routines once they become pregnant out of fear of a possible risk to their unborn baby. Unless you have complications in your pregnancy, most women are able to continue exercising. A doctor can help you modify your routine so the benefits of exercise will greatly outweigh the risks.
Premature Labor
There is no evidence to indicate that exercise increases a healthy pregnant woman's risk of preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes or fetal distress, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. In addition, exercise also does not increase a woman's risk of miscarriage, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Benefits
Some studies have shown that exercise correlates with shorter labor; however, it's difficult to determine if exercise alone is the cause of shorter labor since other variables would need to be considered, such as diet, genetics, vitamins, stress and the woman's overall well-being. Exercise can help long labor by increasing endurance. According to KidsHealth, exercising while pregnant increases your sense of well-being because exercise causes the body to release endorphins. If you exercise while pregnant, you're less likely to gain as much weight and it will be easier to get back to your pre-pregnancy size. Exercising can also improve your ability to sleep through the night.
Considerations
If you were not physically fit before you got pregnant, talk to your doctor about helping you with an exercise routine so you do not overdo it. Your exercise goals should not involve losing weight during your pregnancy, but should instead focus on toning major muscle groups and improving your cardio. Swimming, dancing and walking are all methods commonly used for exercise during pregnancy. Always drink plenty of water before, during and after exercising.
Problem Signs
Contact your doctor immediately if you have fluid leaking from your vagina, vaginal bleeding, contractions, abdominal or pelvic cramping or unusual breath shortness, according to KidsHealth. Your body will naturally tell you to stop exercising, so listen to your body if you become fatigued, dizzy, have an irregular heart beat or are unable to catch your breath. You are overdoing your exercise routine if you're unable to carry a conversation.
Avoid
Avoid bouncing, contact sports, skiing, scuba diving and horseback riding, according to KidsHealth. As your body changes, you will lose coordination, so avoid riding a bike in your second and third trimesters to reduce your risk of falling. Also avoid lying on your back during the second and third trimesters because this decreases blood flow to your womb, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
