Pregnancy Fitness Guidelines
Pregnancy Fitness Guidelines
If you are just starting an exercise program as a way of improving your health during your pregnancy, you should start very slowly. Listen to your body. Your body will naturally give you signals that it is time to reduce the level of exercise you are performing.
- Never exercise to the point of exhaustion or breathlessness.
- Wear comfortable exercise footwear that gives strong ankle and arch support.
- Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids during exercise.
- Avoid exercise in extremely hot weather.
- Avoid rocky terrain or unstable ground when running or cycling.
- Weight training should emphasize improving tone, especially in the upper body and abdominal area.
- Avoid lifting weights above your head and using weights that strain the lower back muscles.
- Include relaxation and stretching before and after your exercise program.
- Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates.
- During the second and third trimesters, avoid exercise that involves lying flat on your back, as this decreases blood flow to your womb.
