In 1951, President Harry Truman authorized the various branches of the U.S. military to involuntarily discharge females who became pregnant under active duty. However, the Pentagon put an end to the practice in 1975 and as of December 2010, the...
During pregnancy, the weightless feeling of being submerged in water provides welcome relief to the pressure from your increasing body weight. This is not the only benefit of participating in aqua fitness when you are pregnant. With your doctor's...
Having a fit pregnancy includes aiming for a nutritious and balanced diet. During a fit pregnancy, physical activity is encouraged, which will lead you feeling hungry and needing nourishment. The foods that you eat during pregnancy are the main...
The weight gain, hormonal changes and increased nutritional needs of pregnancy are difficult on the body. Going into a pregnancy out of shape or in poor health puts your health and the health of your baby at risk. For this reason, it is important...
Your unborn baby is like a coral sponge soaking up the good, bad and the ugly aspects of your thoughts, feelings and physiology. This is the best time to create a deeper bond with your baby by sharing yourself in a meaningful way that she will...
Many alternative medical practitioners and midwives use herbs and other supplements as a way to "tone" the uterine wall, which consists largely of muscle. Most of these herbs are used only in late pregnancy, because toning herbs can cause...
Many women find the bodily changes experienced during pregnancy to be disruptive to their daily routine. Complications can arise in association with pregnancy that make it more difficult to move or perform other activities. But what many women...
Fitness is an important part of a healthy pregnancy. It can prevent unhealthy weight gain and aid in an easier pregnancy and birth. If you were athletic before pregnancy, you can usually resume the same types of activities you did previously, such...
If you've been following a regular exercise routine, you should be able to continue that routine in your pregnancy. In addition to helping you maintain your current fitness level, exercise can help you maintain your weight, ease pregnancy...
Pregnancy is a life-changing time in any woman's life for many different reasons. Your body changes, as does your lifestyle, including appetite and food choices. Eating for two and staying healthy can be difficult when you find yourself with less...
Maintaining your fitness level during pregnancy can help you feel more energetic and might increase your stamina for handling the demands of labor. FamilyDoctor.org reports that exercising while pregnant is probably safe if you have no serious...
Propel Fitness Water was developed by Gatorade as a low-calorie water alternative to sports drinks. Propel contains a light flavor with additional essential vitamins to maximize hydration. While Propel Fitness Water was designed to improve...
A balanced diet and exercise are always important, but even more so during pregnancy. Proper nutrition reduces the risk of birth defects and preterm labor. Meanwhile, exercise lessens the risk and severity of many common pregnancy complaints and...
In healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies, exercise is safe and beneficial. Physical fitness during pregnancy may make labor easier and ease common pregnancy discomforts. Exercising during your pregnancy may also help you manage weight gain during...
In the past, doctors and midwives cautioned women to avoid exercise during pregnancy, fearing that any strenuous activity could harm the baby or induce early labor. Today, health and pregnancy experts recognize the benefits of physical fitness for...
Coping with the physical changes of pregnancy can be overwhelming, but a good fitness regimen can play an important role in a healthy pregnancy. While you're certainly going to gain weight during pregnancy, staying fit can help ensure that your...
When you're pregnant, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. But keeping fit during pregnancy has definite benefits. Exercise can improve your mood, relieve some of the aches and pains of pregnancy, and help you to sleep better. You may...
Finding comfortable and flattering maternity clothes can be difficult, whether you're newly pregnant and just outgrowing your regular clothes or reaching the end of your pregnancy. Depending upon your preferences, you may opt for fitted clothes or...
If you have a fitness training regimen in place before you get pregnant, you can safely continue exercising during your pregnancy with minor modifications, according to Baby Center. Talk to your doctor about your fitness training when you learn...
Safe exercise throughout a healthy pregnancy gives you more energy during what can be a physically draining time. It also keeps you fitter for the demands of childbirth and promotes faster physical recovery postpartum. Unless your obstetrician or...
Being pregnant does not mean you have to get fat. You can stay in shape and gain a healthy recommended weight for your pregnancy. However, pregnancy is also not the time to try and lose weight. Eating a diet rich in nutrients will allow your baby...
An exercising woman who becomes pregnant can continue with her flexibility and strength training programs as long as she has a normal pregnancy and gets approval from her doctor. Refrain from any activities in which you can lose your balance, such...
Exercising while pregnant increases stamina and pain tolerance for labor and delivery. It also reduces stress, improves posture, helps postpartum recovery, increases energy and minimizes swelling. If you were regularly exercising before you became...
Many new moms are anxious to return to their pre-baby bodies but have difficulty finding gym time. To lose the weight, be creative and add exercises to your daily routines. Try to find 30 minutes three times a week to devote to fitness,...
Many women underestimate the importance of staying fit during pregnancy. The benefits of regular exercise include easing and preventing aches and pains, lowering the risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, improving sleep, protecting...
While pregnant it is important to stay healthy and fit not only for yourself, but also for your baby. Certain foods you normally eat may not be ideal for you while pregnant. Try to consume foods rich in vitamins and nutrients to maintain the...
By the second trimester of pregnancy, most women have shaken the exhaustion and morning sickness of their first trimester and entered the golden period where they feel good, have plenty of energy and are showing the first signs of their baby...
The American Pregnancy Association encourages women who are pregnant or plan to get pregnant to adopt an aerobic exercise program in order to support a healthy baby and pregnancy. For those who do not regularly exercise, the organization...
Exercise and fitness is essential for overall health, but during pregnancy exercise plays an important role in preparing the body for the birthing process. According to Bonnie Berk, childbirth education specialist, exercising during pregnancy...