WomenhealthandbeautyForum

reenataylor · Joined: 23 Feb 2009 Posts: 28

Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?

Meghna · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 111

The reality is that women have been active throughout pregnancy for centuries; there is no such thing as maternity leave (unfortunately) in most of the world. Exercising also seems to ease some common ailments, such as lower back pain and fatigue. However, there are some basic guidelines that should be followed:

Start slowly. Even if you never exercised regularly before, a program can be undertaken safely. If you have been following a regular exercise regime, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to continue on the same level for the first trimester. The important thing is to listen to your body- if it feels like too much, take it down a notch. This is not the time to break your previous land speed record. Particularly if you suffer from morning sickness, be aware of your limits.
Monitor your heart rate and breathing. As a general rule, your heart rate should not exceed 140 beats/minute. The fetal heart rate is tied to your own; if your heart is racing, your baby's is too. A heart rate monitor, at around a hundred dollars, is a worthwhile investment. Most feature an alarm that sounds if you exceed the safe target range. If you feel breathless, which is common during the first trimester, slow down or take a break. The first three months are an adjustment period, when your blood volume is initially too low to accommodate both you and a growing fetus- this can result in breathlessness and faintness. Adjust your exercise levels accordingly.
Avoid exercising at extreme altitude or in hot, humid environments. Now that summer is here, this is an especially important rule of thumb. Your body temperature affects the baby, and it is critical that neither of you becomes overheated.
Drink plenty of water.
As the pregnancy progresses, reduce the intensity level. This tends to happen naturally. Remember that even if you are exercising less intensely, the actual level of what you are doing is more difficult, due to the added weight of the baby.
Be careful not to over-stretch. Early in pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin fills your system. This hormone induces hyper-flexibility in the joints and musculature, which allows for the expansion of the uterus and the repositioning of the pelvic floor. It is common for women to strain muscles and ligaments during pregnancy as a result of this new flexibility. It is still important to stretch after exercising- just know your limits and try not to exceed them.
In the last trimester, avoid ballistic movements, such as jumping or running. The exercise community is divided on this one. My personal experience with clients has led me to believe that these motions can strain the pelvic floor, which is already supporting more weight than ever before. There are plenty of exercises that can be done without bouncing motions. I always believe that it's better to be on the safe side.
Do Kegel exercises religiously. The pelvic floor supports the bladder, uterus, and intestines. The added weight of the uterus during pregnancy can stretch out that floor, causing either the intestines or bladder to drop down. This is one of the reasons that so many elderly women suffer from incontinence. Prevention is the best medicine. Kegels involve contracting and releasing the PF muscles, similarly to stopping the flow of urination. Tighten and relax the muscle quickly several times a day.