Tips for Exercising During Pregnancy

Filed in archive Pregnancy Fitness on September 15, 2008

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Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Derek Latta

There will be times during your pregnancy when you don't feel like doing exercise, but trust me, keeping fit and getting some exercise will do you and your baby good. It does not mean that you should overly strain yourself. If you've been doing exercises and training before pregnancy, most likely, you'll be able to continue at the same or slightly easier level during pregnancy, assuming all is going a-ok with your pregnancy.

Here are some pregnancy fitness guidelines from Geralyn Coopersmith for a safe and enjoyable fitness regimen:

• Avoid exercising in hot, humid environments which challenge the body's ability to cool itself. Your body temp should stay below 100 degrees.


• Have a light snack before to avoid low blood sugar


• Do longer warm-ups and cool-downs


• Reduce the frequency, intensity and time of your workouts as your pregnancy progresses


• Try to exercise on flat even surfaces, balance and joint laxity is challenged during pregnancy, increasing the risk of ankle sprains


• Avoid situations which could result in abdominal trauma (roller-blading, kick-boxing, mountain biking, downhill skiing) especially as the pregnancy progresses


• Avoid lying flat on your back after the first trimester, as the weight of the baby can impair blood flow back to your heart and brain, making you feel dizzy, faint or uncomfortable


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Read more of her tips here.