Pregnancy Exercise Dos and Don’ts

For pregnant moms who want to engage in some healthy exercise, here are some tips to consider.

What you should do...

• Start your fitness while trying to conceive, instead of when you’re already pregnant.
• Listen to what your body is saying: If you’re tired or feeling any discomfort, it may mean that the nature, duration, or intensity of your exercise has to be changed.
• Warm up and cool down before and after exercising.
• Bring along the father of the baby so that the two of you can get fit together.

... and what you shouldn’t

• Get dehydrated or overheated. Always bring a water bottle and avoid exercising in high temperatures.
• Perform exercises that use one foot at a time, especially for a long period; this could harm the pelvic structure.
• Lie flat on your back too long or stand in one place for a period of time; both may inhibit blood flow to the fetus.
• Overdo or strain yourself in performing any of the movements.

Photo from flickr.com