Exercise in Pregnancy

Exercise is important for your overall health, and exercise during pregnancy is no exception.  There are numerous benefits to staying active during your pregnancy.

• Better weight control
• Improved blood sugar control
• Improved muscle tone
• Enhanced energy and stamina
• Better sleeping pattern

Unless you have been placed on specific activity restrictions, you may continue to exercise during the pregnancy.  The goal should be moderate exercise for 30 minutes each day, and it may include both cardiovascular and resistance training.  Any exercise must be individualized based on ability, tolerance, and prior conditioning.  You may continue to walk, swim, cycle, and even run. However, limit the chance of exhaustion, dehydration, and becoming overheated.  Contact sports, and activities with a higher chance for falls should be avoided to reduce the risk to the mother and the fetus. After the first trimester, any exercise that requires you to lie flat on your back should be avoided.  Since the fetus is at increased risk of decompression sickness, you should not scuba dive at any time during the pregnancy.

 Let common sense prevail.  If the exercise is uncomfortable while it is performed or causes discomfort after finishing, it should be discontinued.