Exercising while you're expecting enhances your sense of well-being and improves sleep and energy. Weight management is another benefit to prenatal fitness. That means each woman should follow her doctor's instruction regarding weight gain and be monitored regularly for weight-related risk factors. Other possibilities include mild aerobic activities and walking. Even women who have never exercised can benefit from a physician-approved prenatal fitness program.
Pregnancy is a great time to learn about a healthy lifestyle.
Sedentary women should talk with their physicians first about an appropriate exercise program and begin slowly with activities such as walking. A minority of pregnant women shouldn't exercise during pregnancy because of the risk of complications. This includes women with uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of premature labor, small growth of the fetus, bleeding or heart disease. Listen and Learn Pregnancy is a good time to learn to listen to the signals your body gives you, says Greg Cook, M.D., a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist at University Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. Whatever form of exercise you and your doctor choose, let your health and your baby's health be your guide.