Pregnancy Exercises.I love to exercise and don't want to stop while I'm pregnant. Do I have to?
Experts agree that exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for most pregnant women, if done properly. This is definitely an area to discuss with your doctor at the beginning of your pregnancy!
I don't really like to exercise, but I do it. Are there benefits to continuing my exercise program during my pregnancy?
Regular, moderate exercise during pregnancy can be beneficial for you in many ways.
What should my exercise goals be during pregnancy?
The goal of exercising during pregnancy is overall good health. It can make you feel better physically, and it can give you an emotional boost. My mother told me I shouldn't exercise during pregnancy; she was warned not to when she was pregnant with me. Why the change now?
Exercise was not always approved for a pregnant woman. In the past, doctors were concerned about the redirection of blood flow from the fetus to the mother-to-be's muscles during exercise. This does occur to a small degree, but it is not harmful to the fetus in a normal pregnancy.
I've never exercised before, but I'd like to begin now. Can I?
Some women become interested in exercising during pregnancy to help them feel better. If you've never exercised before, you must discuss it with your doctor before you begin. If you don't have any problems with your pregnancy, you should be able to exercise as long as you're comfortable. The key is not to try to do too much too fast. The best exercises for you are walking and swimming. Pregnancy is not the time to begin a vigorous exercise program.
What kind of exercises will my doctor recommend?
If you've never exercised before, walking and swimming are excellent forms of exercise. Riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill can also be enjoyable and beneficial.
I want to exercise, but it scares me that I might do something to hurt my baby. Should I be scared?
No. It's a good idea to exercise when you're pregnant. If you're fit, you'll do better with weight gain during pregnancy, be able to do the work of labor and delivery better, and feel better after the birth.
Most experts recommend reducing your exercise to 70 to 80% of your prepregnancy level. If you have problems with bleeding or cramping, or have had problem pregnancies before, you must modify' your exercise according to your doctor's advice.
Someone told me exercising can cause early labor. Should I believe her?
It was once believed that exercise could cause preterm labor because there is a temporary increase in uterine activity following exercise. However, in a normal pregnancy, this does not cause a problem.
I read that my baby's heart rate increases when mine does during exercise. Can this cause a problem?
The fetal heart rate increases somewhat during and immediately after exercise, but it stays within the normal fetal range of 120 to 160 beats a minute. This should not cause any problems for you or the baby.
My aerobics instructor said my heart rate changes during pregnancy. Why?
During pregnancy, your heart rate is higher; you don't have to exercise as vigorously to reach your target heart rate. Be careful not to stress your cardiovascular system.
What if my heart rate is too high?
If it's too high, slow down but don't stop exercising completely. Continue exercising but at a more moderate rate.
What if my pulse rate is too low?
If you don't feel too winded, pick up the pace a bit, but don't
overdo it. Check your pulse rate again in a few minutes to make sure
you aren't overexerting yourself.
How often should I check my pulse rate?
You should do this fairly often when you exercise. It will surprise you how fast your pulse can increase during a pregnancy workout.
When should I consult my doctor about exercising during pregnancy?
Discuss it with him or her at your first prenatal visit. If you decide later to start or change your exercise program, consult your doctor before you begin.
I feel a lot hotter when I exercise during pregnancy. Is this normal?
When you're pregnant, you normally feel warmer than usual. You'll feel warmer, too, when you exercise, so try to avoid becoming overheated during workouts. Work out in a well-ventilated room, and drink lots of water while you exercise.
Can I play competitive sports during pregnancy?
If you are used to playing a competitive sport, such as tennis, you should be able to continue, but expect to reduce the level of competition. The point to remember is not to get carried away or to overwork yourself.
I feel out of breath more quickly now that I'm pregnant. Is something wrong with me?
Your growing abdomen can put a strain on your respiratory system, causing you to feel out of breath sooner than normal. When you exercise, don't work to the point that you have trouble breathing and can't talk. This indicates you're working too strenuously; cut back on your workout.
|
