Pregnancy Fitness

Pregnancy will put many strains on your body and the delivery process is also very physically demanding, so being in good physical shape will really help you. Also, not being overweight going into a pregnancy is a good idea, because being overweight raises the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Ideally, you want to be in good shape and have an exercise regime in place and established long before you get pregnant, because it is not a good idea to start a demanding new exercise regime while you are pregnant. 

If you were a runner before you started the pregnancy, it's fine to continue jogging, but by the third trimester you'll probably be running a lot less. Also, remember that with any exercise you do, it's important not to get overheated, and to stay well hydrated. You should also monitor your heart rate when you jog. To avoid slipping and falling, always jog on flat pavement and avoid ice or snow. It's also important to wear shoes that provide good support for your feet. One thing you should do if you jog is pelvic floor exercises. Your doctor should be able to tell you how to do these.

If you weren't a runner before the pregnancy, you'll probably want to stick with lower impact exercise, like walking, or maybe some swimming. Just try to stick to the shady areas, drink plenty of water and avoid walking at the hottest time of the day if it's summer. You could also try low impact aerobics and even pilates or yoga, as long as you are able to do pelvic floor exercises. Just remember when doing any exercise, wear breathable, loose fitting clothing and sensible shoes.

Before doing any exercise while pregnant, you should talk to your doctor. There are a variety of conditions that may make it unsafe for you to exercise while pregnanct. If you are exercising and you feel pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, back or pelvic pain, absence of fetal movements, faintness or anything else you think would be cause for concern, you need to stop exercising. Listen to your body and watch for any danger signs. Try to monitor your heart rate, stretch, and drink enough water before, during and after exercise. Maintaining a healthy diet will also provide you with the energy and nutrients you need to exercise.