what kind of exercise is safe when your pregnant?

Question

At first i barley gained anything and now i am 23 weeks pregnant and i feel like a balloon i would really like to feel better about myself and start exercising. i have started to eat alot better i would just like to make the extra effort. What kind of exercises can i do???

Answer 1

Walking and swimming are both wonderful exercises, low (or no) impact and safe.

Answer 2

Yes, walking and water aerobics would be a good idea. You should start slowly if you haven't been doing any exercise. One can continue to do any type of exercise that they were doing before they were preg. It just has to modified as you get closer to your due date. Ask your Dr. if you feel unsure about starting an exercise at this time. Could just give his nurse a call over the phone to find this out. Walking should help your digestion also, so you won't feel bloated.

Answer 3

Walking: Generally recommended before, during and after pregnancy. To start with, go for a 16 or 17 minute mile then adjust the speed according to comfort levels.

Jogging: If already a regular jogger, then this can normally be continued for a while so long as it remains comfortable. Take on plenty of water and do not overheat. Concentrate on not falling over.

Golf: Normally no problems to continue, however balance can become a problem later in the pregnancy.

Horseback riding: The risk of falling and too much jolting of the abdomen puts this into the unsafe category.

Climbing/Hiking: Generally OK, but not at elevated heights of over 3000 Metres due to the reduced oxygen available.

Swimming: Generally recommended. Good exercise for the large and small muscle groups. Good for heart conditioning. Gentle on joints and ligaments. Diving should be avoided.

Tennis: If one already practices tennis, then a reduced paced game should be alright to continue. Beware of change in balance. Do not stretch the extra for that match winning ball.

Skiing, Snowboarding, etc.: Not advised. High risk of falling makes these activities dangerous.

Aerobics: Generally recommended if the low-impact version is followed. Water aerobics is a very good conditioning method to use during pregnancy.

Badminton: Generally OK during the early stages of pregnancy.

Boxing, Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, etc.: No

Football, Soccer, Basketball, Hockey, Rugby, etc.: No

Yoga: Gentle regimes are very good at toning strengthening the body.

Gymnastics, Trampolining, etc.: Generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially not competitively. High risk of falling.

Scuba diving: No. Very dangerous for the baby.

Fishing: Fine to continue fishing, but this is not going to improve conditioning very much (unless there is a good long walk to get there). Take plenty of water and food along if sitting on the river bank for hours on end.

Cycling: Generally OK to continue when pregnant. Check with your doctor if you have any pelvic problems.

Dancing: Generally good exercise. Take care not to fall or participate in too energetic/jerky a dance style.

Answer 4

Oh, you definitely need to talk to your OB/GYN about starting an exercise program at this stage. She/he will advise you of what you can and can't do.