Misconceptions about exercise and pregnancy persist despite increased awareness of the facts on the part of many women. Fit to Deliver says many women still think you should not start an exercise program if you become pregnant and even that women who are exercising should stop. You should take the pregnancy into consideration, but regular exercise has many benefits for a pregnant woman.
When to Start
If you were not been exercising on a regular basis when you became pregnant, you should not forgo the benefits of physical activity, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG. Of course, the sooner you start exercising, the more benefit you will derive during your pregnancy. Consult your doctor to make sure the exercise program you start is appropriate, especially if there are any complications to the pregnancy. Fit to Deliver says you may even want to wait until the second trimester to start if you have frequent dizziness, nausea or other symptoms associated with the early stages of pregnancy.
Types
There are some kinds of exercise you should not start once you become pregnant. These include contact sports and activities, such as downhill skiing, that carry a significant risk of falling. You also want to avoid activities like scuba diving due to the stressful environmental conditions. You will benefit from a regular program of aerobic exercise such as walking or running. Swimming and cycling are good as well. You can also find aerobics classes that are designed for women who are pregnant.
Precautions
Moderation is the key to safe exercise when you are pregnant. If you are just starting an exercise program, take it easy. The American Pregnancy Association states that you should not push yourself to the point of exhaustion or shortness of breath. After the first trimester, don't do exercise routines that require you to lie on your back, which reduces blood flow an oxygen to the fetus. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid working out in hot weather. Stop exercising if you become dizzy or short of breath. You should also halt an exercise session if you notice vaginal bleeding or discharge and if you experience muscular weakness or fetal movement decreases.
Benefits
Exercise can reduce the aches that come with pregnancy and improve sleep. You are likely to have healthier weight gain. Exercise also helps to reduce urinary tract infections, constipation and the risk of gestational diabetes. If you start early, the benefits during pregnancy will be greater. However, exercise is a healthy lifestyle choice anytime, so it's never too late in a pregnancy to start.
