| Maintaining your overall health is very important | | | | these in mind when exercising. |
| especially during pregnancy. Exercise can help give | | | | Your joints are more prone to injury due to pregnancy |
| you energy, build bones and muscles and keep you | | | | hormones that cause the ligaments to stretch. |
| healthy. Prenatal exercise will help you look and feel | | | | Your center of gravity is shifting due to the weight you |
| better, reduce constipation, leg cramps, bloating, and | | | | are gaining in your middle. This affects your balance |
| swelling, lift your spirits, help you to relax, improve your | | | | and puts strain on your joints and muscles especially in |
| posture, promote strength and stamina, help you sleep | | | | your lower back and pelvis. This can also make you |
| better, better prepare you for the hard work of labor, | | | | less stable and more prone to fall. |
| and give you a head start in getting in shape after the | | | | Gaining weight also makes your body work harder |
| baby is born. | | | | than usual, even if you are working at at slower pace. |
| Exercise can also help with aches and pains | | | | Exercise can boost oxygen and blood flow to the |
| associated with pregnancy. For example, the extra | | | | muscles and away from other parts of your body; like |
| weight you are carrying around can be hard on your | | | | your uterus. You are working too hard if you can't talk |
| back. You can stretch those muscles and make them | | | | at a normal level during exercise. Slow down if this |
| stronger through exercise. | | | | happens. You should always talk to your doctor |
| Fitness and exercise is very healthy during pregnancy | | | | before beginning an exercise program. Make certain |
| but you always have to keep safety in mind. Many of | | | | that you do not have any health conditions that may |
| the changes you will go through during pregnancy will | | | | limit your activity. Always ask about specific exercises |
| affect the kinds of exercises you can do safely. Here | | | | or sports that you enjoy. Nearly every kind of exercise |
| are a few examples of changes your body is going | | | | is safe as long as you do not over do it. |
| through during pregnancy. You should always keep | | | | |