Exercising during pregnancy

Many forms of exercise are acceptable during pregnancy. However, there are some adjustments that you may need to consider making to your workouts. Some may be common and some not. 

Staying hydrated is extremely important when exercising, but it becomes even more critical during pregnancy. Dehydration predisposes you to preterm uterine contractions and even preterm delivery of your infant. Always have water nearby. If you start to feel lightheaded, immediately stop what you are doing. Staying hydrated and exercising in a temperature-controlled room will prevent you from becoming overheated. It would be best if you also avoided any exercise that might result in trauma, abdominal or otherwise. Listen to your body and adjust your routine accordingly. Your exercise tolerance may be reduced. It is essential to talk to your OBGYN to see if your pregnancy is healthy enough to exercise. If you are new to exercising, start slowly and gradually increase your activity. Start with as little as 5 minutes a day, then add 5 minutes a week until you hit 30 minutes a day. If you were active before pregnancy, you could keep doing your workouts with your OBGYN’s approval. No matter what, it is essential to be careful so that you and your baby are safe.

If you are pregnant and have any questions about exercising, make an appointment on our website. We are always happy to help.