Aerobic exercise is usually combined with strength training to burn calories for weight loss or weight loss maintenance. When you're pregnant, aerobic exercise takes on a new meaning. Since you aren't attempting to lose weight, aerobic exercise helps you stay in shape for a healthier pregnancy and to help you regain your pre-baby body after your pregnancy. Aerobic exercise, when completed safely, is an ideal choice when you're pregnant.
Purpose
It can be tempting to skip daily exercise when you are pregnant, especially when you're nauseous or still adjusting to your growing body. But exercise can help you deal with some of the symptoms of pregnancy more effectively. Exercise can help relieve back pain while allowing you to maintain flexibility. By staying in shape during pregnancy, you'll manage your weight gain and you'll find it easier to gain your old body back once you've had the baby.
Recommendations
If you've engaged in an exercise program before you became pregnant, it's likely safe to continue within reason. If you've never exercised, pregnancy is the ideal time to start. When engaging in aerobic exercise while pregnant, choose methods that are low impact. If you enjoyed kickboxing before you were pregnant, it may be too intense to try while pregnant. Instead, aim for at least 30 minutes of a safe aerobic exercise each day to stay healthy and in shape during your pregnancy.
Safe Exercise
The choices for exercise can seem limited if you were a fitness enthusiast before your pregnancy, but as a general rule of thumb, avoid exercise that is high impact, involves contact or requires a high degree of balance. While you may want to leave biking and football until after you're pregnancy, aerobic exercise in the form of walking, water aerobics and aerobics classes geared specifically toward pregnant women can help you stay both healthy and safe. When in doubt, contact your obstetrician to ask whether or not a form of aerobic exercise is safe for your particular pregnancy.
Warning Signs
While low-impact aerobic exercise is generally safe for most pregnant women, if you have been deemed high risk, your doctor may specifically ask that you don't exercise, especially if you're at risk for preterm delivery. If you've been given the OK to exercise, listen to your body and stop if you feel uncomfortable, experience cramping, contractions or bleeding, feel suddenly nauseous or have a sudden change in body temperature. These symptoms could be the sign of a problem, so contact your doctor immediately.
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