Exercising While Pregnant
- Posted on: Jan 12 2023
Pregnancy is a healthy and normal phase of a female’s life but there are a few guidelines that healthcare providers recommend that pregnant women follow. Pregnant women may have to alter some of the foods and drinks they consume, the beauty and cleaning products they use, or even who in the household is responsible for cleaning the cat’s litter box. Another important aspect for pregnant women to consider is physical exercise.
Is Exercise Safe During Pregnancy?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, exercise is healthy during pregnancy if approved by your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) healthcare provider. Discuss your pregnancy exercise questions during one of your visits with your OB/GYN healthcare provider. In most cases, if you are healthy and your pregnancy is normal then exercise is safe.
Is Exercise Good During Pregnancy? How Much Should I Exercise 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pregnant women get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week such as brisk walking. If you already do a vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity such as running, you can continue to do so during pregnancy if approved by your healthcare provider.
When is Exercise Not Safe During Pregnancy?
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. There are also 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.
Exercise Precautions While Pregnant
Some extra precautions to keep in mind with exercising while pregnant are to stay hydrated throughout the day and avoid becoming overheated. If it is hot or humid outside then keep your exercise inside where it is cooler. Avoid exercises that require you to lay flat on your back because the extra weight of the uterus will put weight on veins that help pump blood to the heart.
Your Best Pregnancy Exercise Resource
Remember that the best resource for pregnant women to talk to about their individual health concerns and exercising while pregnant is their OB/GYN healthcare provider. They will be able to advise if exercise is safe for you and your baby during pregnancy.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, contact us here today!
Resources
- Exercise during pregnancy. ACOG. (n.d.). Retrieved January 6, 2023
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 3). Healthy pregnant or postpartum women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 6, 2023
Posted in: Women's Health