| Pregnancy is a time that is, for many women, full of | | | | continue your regular exercise routine, as long as it |
| uncertainty and doubts. Many changes are occurring | | | | doesn't involve a risk of falls or hits to the abdomen, |
| during this time, and even with prenatal care, it is often | | | | but your body will not be up to the task of starting a |
| impossible to give a new mother peace of mind that | | | | new program. |
| her developing baby is growing as he or she should be. | | | | Second, check with your physician before starting any |
| Many mothers fear unintentionally harming the baby or | | | | exercise regimen, even if you have done it before. |
| causing a problem to develop with their pregnancy. | | | | Third, take care not to over exert yourself. If you |
| This fear causes many women to desire to avoid | | | | become overheated or too winded, stop and take a |
| physical activity during their pregnancy. However, | | | | break. Don't exercise in extremely hot conditions, and |
| activity and even exercise during pregnancy will not | | | | be sure to stay hydrated. Hydration is very important |
| harm the baby. | | | | during pregnancy, and even more so when you are |
| In fact, engaging in a regular workout during pregnancy | | | | physically active. |
| is GOOD for both mother and child; mothers who | | | | You can workout during pregnancy right up until your |
| exercise during pregnancy are more likely to have | | | | delivery day, provided your practitioner has not advised |
| shorter labors and deliver healthier babies with stronger | | | | any restrictions. A little bit of common sense can go a |
| heartbeats. | | | | long way; if you get too winded or uncomfortable, stop. |
| That being said, there are still guidelines that mothers | | | | Although exercising is beneficial, OVER-exercising is |
| should follow in order to keep their exercise program | | | | not. Listen to your body and take breaks when you |
| SAFE during pregnancy. | | | | need to; avoiding fatigue is important, too. |
| First, do not undertake any new exercise program | | | | Overall, however, exercise is one of the best ways to |
| when you are pregnant. Now is not the time to train | | | | keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy, and |
| for a triathlon or sign up for the new spinning class at | | | | by remembering a few simple guidelines, you can |
| the gym. Most practitioners give the green light to | | | | ensure your baby is safe the entire time. |