Can you exercise when you are pregnant?

Question

My boyfriend and i are trying for a baby, I love to exercise and would hate to stop. I am still exercising at the moment and am worried i full pregnant and dont realise straight away. Would i harm the baby if i was exercising at any time whether i was a couple of weeks or months into the pregnancy? I would love to hear your answers.

Answer 1

Some exercise is good for you if you're pregnant, as long as it's nothing too strenuous and you don't 'overdo' it.

The further you get through a pregnancy the harder (more uncomfortable) it will become to exercise, and certain things are not recommended at all. For example, certain Yoga positions are not recommended, but if yoga is one of the things you'd be thinking of, there are plenty of books and other resources out there that should tell you what is and isn't ok.

As far as anything else goes, speak to your doctor int he first instance if you're still trying to get pregnant as he will be able to tell you if you're doing anything you shouldn't be, and as your pregnancy progresses, either speak to a qualified instructor if you have one, or your midwife who you'll be seeing for regular routine appointments anyway.

As always, if you ever feel like you're doing too much, you probably are and should slow down. While exercise during pregnancy is important, it's more important to take general care of yourself and not tire yourself out. I personally found that in the first trimester I was shattered all the time and felt like exercising even less than usual. A healthy diet is just as important as a lot of exercise.

If post-pregnancy pounds are worrying you, just make sure you eat healthily during your pregnancy and don't be tempted to overindulge because you're "eating for two" because it's really not necessary. Take a long walk every day to keep yourself fit if you don't feel up to doing any more exercise than that, or if you've maybe been advised against it because of how your pregnancy is progressing.

Breaastfeeding after the birth is said to help shed the excess pounds you'll put on during the pregnancy, it'll help your uterus contract back to its original size quicker, and has added health benefits for both mother and baby.

I think that unless you do a lot of 'extreme' exercise that you shouldn't have much risk of harming your baby, but as always if you're in any doubt about anything to do with your pregnancy, speak to your health professional. A professional opinion from a trained doctor or midwife is so much better than any answer you're likely to get here.

Answer 2

I was exercising every day when I got pregnant. I was doing a cardio sculpt routine every day and my first clue I was pregnant was when I was too exhausted to do it for more than 15 minutes. It shouldn't hurt anything if you continue to exercise until you know you are pregnant. When you have a positive pregnancy test, I'd talk to your OBGYN's nurse and ask what exercises are best for pregnant women. Most doctors tell you not to start exercising after you find out you are pregnant, but mine told me that I could continue as long as I had the energy.

Answer 3

It is perfectly healthy to exercise during pregnancy. If you have a regular routine, stick to it. If you do find out you are pregnant and are doing a very strenuous exercise routine, you should tone it down a bit. No heavy weights, and if you are running, tone it down to a light jog or walk. As you get further into pregnancy, you could even buy exercise tapes that are specially made for pregnant women.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Absolutely you can exercise! It is recommended that you do! However, there are a few things that OB/GYNs consider risky, like biking or anything that could increase the risk of you falling. The best thing is to talk to your doctor. Another good resource is Fit Pregnancy Magazine.

Answer 5

The rule of thumb is "if you did it before you got pregnant you can continue when pregnant" clear to term :) While it will get uncomfortable to run or jog when super pregnant, its not impossible so long as you're healthy adn your doctor is okay with the activity the larger you get.

Its best to stay as active as possible, and to get as much exercise as you possibly can.

You're in a perfect place to get pregnant.

The only thing you need to watch it over heating. Stay well hydrated and dont do things like saunas or hot tubs. Avoid getting too hot. Sweating is one thing, turning red and needing to strip to cool off is another.

Answer 6

From what I've read it shouldn't be a problem. Especially since you are already active. Once you get bigger it will become more difficult and the books recommend less strenuous exercise like walking, water aerobics and yoga. Be sure to clear everything with doctor!

Answer 7

Talk to your doc , he will be able to give the full list. But for now .. just being a couple weeks , feel free to exercise away !! .. Once you start getting bigger an Bigger , you will be limited .. I did a 3 mile walk per day once i hit 6months. But really check with the doc. he/she will be able to help you the most !

Much Luck An Congrats !!

Answer 8

of course you can exercise. But just keep in mind, not to over do it. It will be really good, if you could take the advise of your doctor also.

Walking, is permitted

bending and jogging in the first 3 months and last 3 months of preg. is not advisable. Don't take too much strain. Eat lot of green veg and fruits

Answer 9

You can do almost any exercise that you are comfortable doing. I imagine running would be out after you grow a bit, but in the beginning shouldn't be bad. After you grow you may want to stay off your belly. Go to a doc to see what they would recomend, but I guarantee, if you are healthy & exercised before, you will be encouraged to keep it up.

Answer 10

if you excersized before than continuing is not a problem. only light weights but by the second and third trimester i would only stick to cardio. i walked on the tredmill for 20-30 minutes a day with all my pregnancies and labor was a breeze 45 minutes.