Appropriate Exercise and Rest

Whether you are going to have a “natural” childbirth with little or no anesthesia or whether you choose some painkilling drugs, you still need to exercise during your entire pregnancy to develop muscle strength for labor. Exercise also helps with backaches, circulation, insomnia and weight control. If you experience certain complications during your pregnancy you and your baby would probably benefit from a more sedentary activity level with little exercise. If you are expecting twins or having high blood pressure, an incomplete cervix, or a condition which it appears that your fetus is not growing properly, bed rest and little exercise may be recommended. Common sense, listening to your body’s signals and talking with your healthcare provider about this are the main guides to exercising during pregnancy.

Walking is an excellent exercise, but don’t count your trips to the refrigerator and bathroom.  Normally, you don’t have to limit your exercise, except when it risks injury to you or your baby.  When exercising, drink lots of water, and wear good shoes and a support bra. You should tone down any exercise if you develop shortness of breath, chest pain, extreme fatigue or dizziness.

See Exercises For Pregnancy for some exercises which may be beneficial for you.

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