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Exercise During
Pregnancy:
Can You Continue With Your Normal Routine?
by Heather Burns
Can you continue with your normal
exercise during pregnancy? Well, back in the old days, pregnant women were
considered to be fragile beings that should be hidden away until delivery.
Thank God we don’t live in those times now.
Just because you’re pregnant, it doesn’t mean that
you can’t get out there and get some active exercise. After you get the
“all clear” from your doctor, be sure to fit in daily exercises during
your pregnancy. In order to clear you for exercise, your doctor may give you
some guidelines to follow to ensure a healthy pregnancy, but to get you
started, here are some exercise guidelines of our own.
Sports & Recreation activities and exercises to
avoid include:
-Contact sports and most competitive sports
-Any activity that can result in falling, such as
downhill skiing or mountain biking
-Lying on your back or stomach during exercise, after
the beginning of the fourth month
-Lifting heavy objects or heavy weight lifting
-Intense cardiovascular exercise – your heartbeat
should remain under 140 beats per minute during your workout.
-Scuba diving or any activity that involves
pressurized air
The most appropriate exercise during pregnancy can
include:
-Prenatal Yoga
-Walking
-Swimming
Exercise is important during pregnancy. It can
alleviate aches and pains, depression, and fatigue. Exercise also gives you
the endurance and flexibility to get through your pregnancy and through
labor. So what are you waiting for? Get out there, get active, and stay
healthy. Exercise during your pregnancy is a great thing to do for you AND
your baby.
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