Exercise Guidelines During Pregnancy
- Posted on: Aug 4 2022
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of pregnancy? Some people may think of cravings, nausea, vomiting, a big belly, and more. Not many people think about pregnancy and exercise. Physical activity during pregnancy is important but must be approved by your healthcare provider first. Let’s dive into questions about exercising during pregnancy.
Is it Safe to Exercise During Pregnancy?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, exercise is healthy during pregnancy if approved by your obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn). Make sure to discuss exercise during one of your early prenatal visits. In most cases, if you are healthy and your pregnancy is normal then exercise is safe.
When Should a Pregnant Woman Not Exercise?
There are some circumstances and conditions when exercise is not advised during pregnancy. Some of these conditions include heart diseases, lung diseases, cerclage, pregnancy with more than one fetus, placenta previa, preeclampsia, anemia, and preterm labor.
Is Exercise Good During Pregnancy?
Regular physical activity during pregnancy can be beneficial. It could reduce back pain, help prevent constipation, and decrease the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean birth.
How Much Should I Exercise During Pregnancy?
It is recommended that pregnant women get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise every week.
What are Unsafe Physical Activities During Pregnancy?
There are some types of physical activities that you will want to avoid during pregnancy such as contact sports, any activity that could result in a fall, skydiving, hot yoga, scuba diving, and high-altitude activities. There are also some precautions that should be taken while exercising during pregnancy. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day and avoid becoming overheated. If it is hot or humid outside then exercise inside. Avoid lying flat on your back because the uterus puts weight on veins that help pump blood to the heart.
To learn more about pregnancy and exercise guidelines visit the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website by clicking here.
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Resources
- Exercise during pregnancy. ACOG. (n.d.). Retrieved July 27, 2022
Posted in: Obstetrics, Women's Health