Regular exercise can help you adapt to the changes your body is going through during pregnancy. Exercising may help you relax, and it gets you ready for labor and delivery. Talk to your healthcare provider about the kinds of activities you can do. Then go ahead and enjoy them.
Get Started
Even if you didn't exercise before pregnancy, it is not too late to start. Choose an activity that you like and that fits your lifestyle. Begin slowly and build up a little at a time. And be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. The following tips may help you get started:
- Choose a time and place to exercise each day.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and comfortable athletic shoes.
- Stretch before and after you exercise. (Be sure to stretch slowly and to hold stretches for 30 to 40 seconds.)
Be Active
Unless your doctor says otherwise, try to exercise for 30 minutes or more most days of the week.
- Overall conditioning, such as swimming, bicycling, or walking, is especially beneficial.
- Aerobics and exercises that increase your pulse rate help condition your body and strengthen your heart. Ask about special prenatal aerobics classes.
Exercise Safely
These tips will help you have a safe, healthy workout:
- Stay cool. Stop exercising if you feel overheated.
- Stay off your back. Lying on your back can decrease blood flow to your baby.
- Drink water. Drink one cup of water before and after your workout, and two cups during.
- Eat 300 extra calories a day. A light snack before and after you exercise will help keep your energy up.
- Avoid activities requiring balancing skills later in pregnancy
Do Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles used in childbirth. These muscles are the same ones used to stop the flow of urine. Do Kegel exercises daily.
- Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles for at least 5 seconds.
- Relax, then squeeze again.
- Work your way up to 50 or 100 Kegels a day.
- You can do Kegel exercises anytime and anywhere.
Keep Walking
No matter what other exercise you do, try to walk whenever you can.
- If you're working all day, take a lunchtime walk in the park with a friend.
- When you shop, park away from the store entrance and walk the extra distance.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
- Sudden or severe abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
- Headache
- Decreased fetal movement
- Contractions that go on for more than 5 minutes after you've stopped exercising
- Rapid heartbeat
- Calf pain or swelling
- Fluid leaking from the vagina
