In general gentle exercise is thought to benefit pregnancy. It can definitely help you regulate your weight. However exercise is not right for every woman as every pregnancy is unique. You should always check with your doctor before embarking on any type of exercise program
The key word for pregnant women is to be gentle! Stay off the rebounder and out of the kickboxing classes. Above all avoid doing any type of weightlifting. You should also not strain yourself by doing anything like rock climbing. One fall from a great height and you could lose your baby. In fact it does not even have to be from a great height. The slightest bumps and hits can cause you to miscarry – especially if you are older.
The very safest of exercises for a pregnant woman are those that don’t require your body to bear the burden of extra weight as your body is already hauling around a weight of its own. Bowling or playing golf is not a good idea (unless you can get a caddy to haul around your golf clubs and then it is okay.) This does not mean you are helpless but you should avoid doing too much pushing and pulling in general. Pushing a cart around a grocery store is okay. Bench pressing fifty pounds while lying back on a reclining bench is probably a terrible idea!
Swimming and stationary cycling are thought to be safe for pregnant people. Most community centers and Y's also have special programs for pregnant women including yoga and aquavit for pregnant mothers. Some centers even have aerobics for mommies.
However you do not have to go to a gym or yoga center to do good things for your fetus. The exercise that is walking. Taking a stroll for as long as you like invigorates you physically. The other key thing is getting fresh air. You don't necessarily need get the oxygen you need when you go to a gym. In fact hanging around in crowded exercise facilities can expose you to germs and bacteria that can make you sick.
Avoid activities that increase your risk of falling or hurting yourself, such as contact sports or vigorous sports. Football, soccer and all After the first three months of pregnancy, it’s best to avoid exercising while lying on your back, since the weight of the baby may interfere with blood circulation. You should also avoid exercising in very hot or humid weather.
Most pregnant women do not feel any symptoms when they exercise. However if you experience shortness of breath, fatigue or any kind of pain while exercising you should immediately stop! That is a warning sign that you have gone too far. When you are eight months pregnant the no pain no gain rule does not apply!
