First thing’s first. Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program while pregnant. While exercise is good for you, it is added stress on the body.  If your body is not used to it, it can cause problems, so your doctor may tell you to wait or start show.

If you are a person who works out regularly, it is generally okay to workout, as long as you modify your workouts as needed. You may find that you cannot exercise with the same intensity as you did before you were pregnant. Listen to your body and keep in touch with your doctor.

When exercising while pregnant, there are a few things to remember. After the first trimester, do not do exercises while laying flat on the back, as this can decrease the blood flow to the uterus. To solve this problem, use machines. For example, use the chest press machine instead of a flat bench press. If you prefer free weights, use an incline bench for exercises like dumbbell presses, chest flyes, even abs. You should also avoid standing for long periods of time, as this can decrease circulation as well. Solve this problem by stepping side to side. If you experience any of the following symptoms, while exercising, stop what you are doing: blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, headaches, chest pain, and abdominal pain. If they persist, call your doctor.

There are a few activities you should avoid completely while pregnant. Those are high risk sports, such as horseback riding, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and waterskiing, or anything else that have a potential for dangerous falls.

If you have never exercised before, a good place to start would be walking, using a stationary bike, or swimming. You can also try low impact aerobics, water aerobics, or a fitness DVD. You can see that you don’t need fancy equipment, just get moving. You’ll be glad you did!

Copyright © 2009 by A.M. Birmingham, ISSA CFT

      

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