Our practice encourages everyone to get some form of exercise during pregnancy. It's good for your stamina, circulation, weight control, and decreases feelings of fatigue. If you have been exercising, you may want to continue to do what your body is accustomed to. If you are new to exercising, we encourage you to start slowly and increase with time.
There are certain conditions that may be incompatible with vigorous exercise, including severe anemia, ruptured membranes, an incompetent cervix or cerclage, bleeding or placenta previa after 26 weeks, certain types of lung and heart disease, or multiple gestations. Be sure to talk to your physician if you have any questions about a particular activity.
General Guidelines
- Start off slowly, warm up and cool down adequately
- If you feel breathless, dizzy or overtired, stop and rest
- Do not hold your breath
- Exercise should be performed slowly and in control. Avoid pushing, pulling or leaning that will strain muscles or cause you to lose your balance. Remember, your center of gravity is different when you are pregnant.
- Wear supportive footwear and comfortable clothing
- Keep pulse rate under 140 beats per minute
- Avoid exercising in hot, humid weather
- Be sure to drink plenty of water during exercise
Good Activities During Pregnancy
- Low impact aerobics
- Swimming
- Treadmill and walking
- Prenatal yoga
Forbidden Activities During Pregnancy
- Scuba diving
- Skydiving
- Waterskiing
- Downhill skiing
- Rock climbing
- Hot yoga