Exercising During Your Pregnancy 

Many women wonder whether exercise is safe during pregnancy.  This article offers advice on exercise during pregnancy.

Exercising While Pregnant - A few Tips:

You may not feel like it when you are pregnant, and are starting to feel slightly out of proportion, but exercise is really very good for you and your baby. You won’t be running any marathons by any means, but you will benefit from any exercise that your doctor allows you to do. Did you know that, when you are pregnant, the recommendation for exercise is 30 minutes a day of moderate exercising?

If you were exercising before you became pregnant, talk to your doctor about continuing on that same program. And if you haven't been on a regular program before you became pregnant, talk with your doctor on how to get started.

Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to the following;

* You will feel better by increasing your energy level.

* The muscles in your back, butt and thighs will be strengthened and relieve you of back pain you have

* Regular exercise can prevent you from being constipated

* Exercising activates the lubricant called synovial fluid in your joints.

* You will sleep better because your exercising relieves your body of stress and anxiety.

* When you exercise, your blood flow in your body is increased, giving you a healthy glow.

* Exercising prepares your body for childbirth and the long road that may be ahead during labor and delivery

* If you exercise during pregnancy, it will be easier to regain your shape after delivery.

Under the supervision of your doctor, you may be able to enjoy benefits from the following exercises:

* Dancing

* Swimming

* Water aerobics

* Riding bicycle

* Going for a walk

Yoga and pilates are perfect for your exercise program during pregnancy. They are low impact and help develop your strength, flexibility, and help you to relax

If you develop the following symptoms, it means your body is trying to tell you to slow down.

* Feeling really tired

* Feeling dizzy

* Your heart pounding in your chest

* Being short of breath

* Back or pelvic pain

Keep in mind that as your pregnancy advances, your body shape will change and so will your sense of balance. So, keep in touch with your doctor about your routine. Also, if you find yourself unable to talk while you do your exercises, slow down. Keep your heart rate below 160 beats per minute.

Any way you look at it, no matter what kind of exercises you are allowed by your doctor to do, you will benefit in some way or another. You will feel proud of yourself for having the self discipline after the baby is born and you are back on your feet again with a little more energy than you would have if you had not done any exercises. Just make sure that you take enough breaks, and drink plenty of water.