CAN I CONTINUE TO EXERCISE DURING PREGNANCY ?
Nearly everyone recognizes that exercise is beneficial . Pregnant women without complications may continue to enjoy the many health benefits gained from mild to moderate exercise . Your level of exercise will depend on your pre-pregnancy physical conditioning and exercise programs . Pregnancy is not the time to begin a vigorous athletic program . Talk with your provider about developing an exercise routine during pregnancy .
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology issued the following guidelines about exercise :
• Regular exercise three times a week is better than occasional exercise .
• Avoid any activity that requires you to remain flat on your back for prolonged periods of time . Also , long periods of standing in one place may also affect blood flow to the uterus due to pooling of blood in your legs .
• You should stop exercising when you are fatigued ; do not exercise to the point of exhaustion .
• Be extra careful in late pregnancy when your large abdomen could cause you to more easily lose balance . Any form of exercise that involves the potential for even mild abdominal injury should be avoided .
• Remember to drink plenty of water , wear appropriate clothing , and limit or avoid exercise during periods of hot or humid weather .
The following activities are generally safe during pregnancy :
• Walking or jogging
• Riding a stationary bicycle
• Racquet sports ( tennis , racquetball , squash )
• Low-impact aerobics
• Golf
• Swimming
• Yoga
The following activities and sports should be avoided in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters because of a high risk of injury :
• Contact sports ( football , hockey , basketball , soccer )
• Volleyball
• Gymnastics
• Sports likely to result in a fall ( skiing , horseback riding , off-road biking )
• Scuba diving , skiing , surfing
• Platform diving or skydiving uabmedicine . org 49