Is It Safe To Exercise When You’re Pregnant?

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Many women today are health conscience before, during and after pregnancy. Common questions many pregnant women ask are, “Is exercising while pregnant dangerous or safe?” and “Is exercising good for me or my baby?” To answer these questions, it is important to remember that a lot of bodily changes occur when a woman becomes pregnant. For example, one’s respiratory rate usually changes as it becomes more difficult to exchange gases. Additionally, as your baby grows, you begin to carry more weight and both your center of gravity and your sense of balance changes. Your physical strength may also be sapped by pregnancy and you may not have the same strength that you had before pregnancy.

However, it has been shown that women who do exercise during pregnancy in fact do reduce many of the problems that can be associated with pregnancy. It has shown that pregnant women who exercise reduce their risk for having a baby that is too large. They also reduce their risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy and have been shown to gain less weight demurring pregnancy. Even better, women who exercise during pregnancy tend to lose weight easier and faster after they have given birth.

The American College of OB GYNs recommends that pregnant women perform thirty minutes of moderate exercise per day for at least five days per week. This recommendation has been shown to provide many of the added health benefits mentioned above. Remember, if you were not exercising before you became pregnant, it is unlikely that you will all of a sudden be in shape and be able to perform vigorous exercises during pregnancy. It is always important to follow your own body’s cues. If your heart rate gets too high or exceeds 140 beats per minute, if you start to sweat profusely or if you feel exhausted, always follow your body’s cues and know when to stop.

Lastly, it is also extremely important that you speak with your doctor about your specific exercise needs. You and your doctor should always discuss any medical problems that would limit the types of exercise that you should perform. For example, women with high blood pressure or a history of early delivery should not perform exercises. Again, always speak with your doctor about your pregnancy exercise program. If you have any questions about specific exercises or questions about your specific pregnancy needs, feel free to leave a question and we will answer you promptly.