Expecting mothers need to consider a variety of factors when choosing activities and exercises in which to participate. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnancy causes ligaments that support bone joints to loosen, the extra weight makes the body work harder and the extra weight causes a shift in the woman's center of balance. Pregnant women should avoid impact activities and sports such as basketball and soccer, scuba diving and downhill snow skiing. But many other activities are safe for pregnant women. According to the Office on Women's Health, most expectant mothers who are healthy and have no pregnancy-related issues benefit from exercise, although a midwife or doctor should be consulted first.
Walking
Walking is good exercise for anyone. Walking briskly exercises the entire body and is a good activity for expectant mothers who were not active prior to becoming pregnant. It is also an activity that doesn't overly stress muscles and joints.
Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact activity that provides a workout for many of the body's muscles. Because body weight is supported by the water, there is less risk of injury or muscle strain. The water also helps to prevent legs from swelling and helps to keep body cool during the activity.
Bicycling
Bicycling provides a good aerobic workout, although expectant mothers will find their balance becoming more and more affected as the pregnancy progresses, increasing the risk of a fall. Later in pregnancy, expectant mothers can switch to stationary bicycles.
Aerobics
Aerobics is another activity that can help to make the heart and lungs strong. There are aerobics classes designed specifically for pregnant women. Other aerobics classes are held in water settings and provide good sources of exercise.
Jogging
If a woman was a jogger prior to the pregnancy, the jogging can typically continue if done in moderation, although the added weight may cause a change to the jogging routine. A physician should be consulted to check whether jogging is all right before continuing this activity through a pregnancy.
Racket Sports
A woman who participated in racket sports such as tennis or racketball can continue in moderation into the pregnancy. A physician should be consulted prior to continuing the sport into a pregnancy, though.
Strength Training
Strength training is another activity that can be continued into a pregnancy if done in moderation. Strength training can help an expectant mother to build and maintain strong muscles and possibly avoid some of the muscle aches associated with pregnancy.
