- In normal pregnancies, exercise is considered completely safe and is encouraged by medical professionals. Although pregnant women should not choose this period of time as the choice time to start rigorous and exhaustive new training, women are generally encouraged to maintain the same level of physical activity they had before the pregnancy while adjusting as their energy level dwindles and their size increases. Pregnancy is not an excuse to avoid exercise unless directed by a doctor because of a high-risk pregnancy.
- Some women believe that exercise is dangerous during pregancy and are afraid to engage in physical activity because they don't want to risk harming their unborn baby. There is a belief among some women that vigorous exercise can lead to miscarriage or other serious concerns. These misconceptions keeps many women from maintaining the same exercise program they enjoyed before the pregnancy. In reality, inactivity can be more harmful than mild to moderate exertion during pregnancy, unless directed by a doctor.
- The benefits to exercising during pregnancy--with a doctor's permission--can be great. A lot of women simply feel better when they exercise, and pregnancy is no different. Pregnant women should also remember that labor can be a physically intense experience, and a fit body may fare better than an unfit body. Women who exercise regularly throughout pregnancy may have an easier time with losing the weight they gain during pregnancy, although this varies from woman to woman. Women don't need to adopt strenuous exercise programs in order to derive the benefits of exercise. Something as simple as a daily walk is sufficient for many pregnant women in order to receive the benefits of exercising while pregnant.
- Risk factors exist for some pregnant women with special conditions. Women who have high-risk pregnancies may have to refrain from exercising altogether or at least modify their exercise program as directed by a doctor. Women who are on bed rest must especially take care to listen to the advice of their doctors because exercising at this stage of pregnancy may have some serious risk factors.
- Many types of exercises are highly recommended for pregnant women. Women who begin their pregnancies already fit and on an exercise regime can continue with the same exercises they enjoyed prior to the pregnancy. Walking and swimming are also types of exercise that are highly recommended during pregnancy. Pregnant women may want to avoid any type of exercise during pregnancy that may result in strain or injury, such as certain types of resistance training or contact sports. The best resource to find the best type of pregnancy exercise is by talking to your doctor to find out what is suitable for your particular situation.
