eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Follow the Rules of Safe Pregnancy Exercise

Contributor
By Nicole Hoelscher
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
Staying fit during pregnancy is completely possible.
Staying fit during pregnancy is completely possible.
Jonathan Willmann

So you're expecting a baby! Congratulations! You are about to enter into one of the most life-changing events of your life. As an expectant mom, you are likely concerned about gaining too much weight. The great news is that it is perfectly safe to exercise during pregnancy, provided you follow a few rules. In fact, exercising throughout your pregnancy can help make your labor and delivery much smoother! So get out there and get moving, but remember to keep yourself and your baby safe when you do.

From Quick Guide: Fit Pregnancy Guide
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Quality walking shoes
  • Loose-fitting clothes
  1. Step 1

    Talk to your doctor before you begin exercising. Most pregnant women can exercise without a problem, but your doctor may have some stipulations that he or she wants you to keep in mind.

  2. Step 2

    Avoid any dangerous sports, exercises where it would be easy to fall, or exercises that cause jarring motions to your joints. Riding a bike, for instance, is not considered safe during pregnancy. Remember, your center of gravity will change tremendously when you belly starts growing.

  3. Step 3

    Wear loose-fitting clothing when exercising. Pregnant women can overheat easily, and this can harm your baby. Also, make sure your shoes are good quality walking shoes.

  4. Step 4

    Warm up before beginning your actual exercising. This helps your heart rate to increase slowing, which is much more healthy for you and your baby.

  5. Step 5

    Stay hydrated throughout the day and especially while exercising. Drink 8 oz. of water every 20 minutes while exercising.

  6. Step 6

    Stay in motion while exercising, and avoid any exercises that put you flat on your back. Standing in one position for too long can cause blood clots. Laying on your back can limit the blood flow to your baby.

  7. Step 7

    Keep track of your heart rate. Doctors recommend keeping your heart rate below 150 beats per minute while pregnant. Stop if you feel dizzy, become short of breath or have unexpected pain.

  8. Step 8

    Take time for a cool down after exercising. This time gives your heart a chance to return to its normal rate slowly. Stretch, but avoid stretching too far as your joints and ligaments are quite loose while pregnant.

Tips & Warnings
  • Keep in mind that your shoe size may change during pregnancy, so you may need a new pair of walking shoes.
  • Walking is one of the best and safest pregnancy exercises.
  • Most doctors recommend that you continue to follow your current exercise routine if you are exercising before you become pregnant. However, you may need to modify some exercises to account for your changing body.
  • Never exercise if you are feeling weak, dizzy or short of breath.
  • Always take your heart rate while exercising, and stop or slow down if it is above 150 beats per minute.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Parenting Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Parenting
eHow_eHow Parenting, Relationships and Family