Pregnancy - Getting Pregnant - Baby Names

Join The Bump Rewards >

tools:

Pregnancy Checklist | Baby Namer | Gender Chart | How Big is Baby?

log in | register >> Start here

Your Avatar
Get answers here:
hide show

To create your own timeline, log in or join now:

more in 1st Trimester

great baby registries

Find a couple's baby registry. Enter parents' name here.

Create your own baby registry here.

Keepsake Basket

$150 set

Buy Now

Bear Announcement Plate

$48 each

Buy Now

Mary Jane Socks

$25 set

$17.99 set

Buy Now

Piggy Bank

$13.95 each

$6.99 each

Buy Now

Sponsored Links

Buy A Link

you asked...

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I work out regularly -- mostly running and weights. Can I stick to my current routine now that I’m pregnant?

Re: I work out regularly -- mostly running and weights. Can I stick to my current routine now that I’m pregnant?

The Bump Expert

Probably, although you should clear it with your OB just to make sure. For most women, exercise during pregnancy is not only safe, it’s highly recommended -- especially if you’ve already been working out. A few basic dos and don’ts:

DO...

Dress comfortably
(If it's easier to move around, injuries are less likely.)

Drink plenty of water
(Hydration is especially important once there's a baby in your belly.)

Warm up and cool down
(Since your heart rate is higher during pregnancy, give yourself extra time to return to your normal resting rate after workouts.)

Stay in tune
(Recognize that your body is changing: Your joints and ligaments are looser, your balance is off, and it’s harder to get up off the floor.

DON’T...

Play contact sports
(Getting tackled should not be on your agenda. Also stay away from ones where you risk dangerous falls such as downhill skiing or horseback riding.)

Exercise on your back
(In your second and third trimesters, avoid lying flat on your back for any length of time -- this position can reduce blood flow to your brain and uterus.)

Overdo it
(Don’t allow yourself to get overtired or overheated.)

Paula Kashtan | April 30 , 2009 2:18 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

i can do exercice eventually a dont do exercice is safe for my bebe

male937 | August 27 , 2009 8:36 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I used to work out regularly but I haven't for almost a year.

BABYSHENDOCK | September 08 , 2009 10:40 AM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

Is it okay to continue dance classes? Dancing, jumping, leaps etc- is this all okay during all stages of pregnancy?

BabyBeamon | September 18 , 2009 9:19 AM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I was training for my 6th marathon before I found out I was pregnant. I am 7 weeks and can hardly get out bed and am throwing up all day. i haven't even gone for a walk in the past week and a half. I am so depressed!

erika5338 | September 22 , 2009 11:15 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

Stop listening to litigation scared MD's who tell you to not do anything and to wrap yourself in bubble wrap nonsense. Women aren't made of glass, and neither is your fetus! Unless you're high risk, just keep on keeping on. If you were doing it before, keep doing it. If it's new, think it through carefully. Either way, LISTEN to your body. It will tell you what you should or shouldn't be doing better than any MD. I plan on continuing to ride until I'm too big to hoist my fat ass up in the saddle, and I plan on continuing to lift weights and do kickboxing (no sparring, only pad and technique work [limiting myself to forms, pad work, and kata]) until I hatch.

ktnzgtklws | October 13 , 2009 6:48 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

No more running on pavement. The pounding impact is not good for the pregnancy. You can still run in a pool though, do the elliptical, ride the bike, and power walk to your heart's content. I run in the pool because running is required for my occupation (military) and after the baby's born, I only have a small window to get back into shape. Running in the pool at the YMCA or community rec center allows me to get teh cardio benefits and keep those running muscles working while I'm pregnant.

chocolatelabradors | October 20 , 2009 8:01 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

i do alot of stretching and i walk alot and i also do light resistance weights i worked out daily at the gym before i was pregnant so i want to have an easy birth and keep my body in healthy shape while being pregnant

williams22 | October 27 , 2009 12:29 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I have been doing Curves. Is that okay for pregnant ladies? Do we need to avoid any of the machines?

cnw109 | October 30 , 2009 9:30 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I joined Curves for Women and love it!!! Only 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week...and I have more energy when I'm done :)

holliejollie | November 02 , 2009 12:10 AM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I was exercising a couple hours 4 days a week before I was pregnant, but for the first few months of pregnancy I couldn't get up the energy to sit at my desk for 8 hours, let alone get on an elliptical or lift a weight. As soon as a pregnant woman is up to it, though, my docs have said it's great to get exercise, with heart rate under 150 and stick to lower impact things (plus, my boobs are so big now that running would be miserable). The best advice I've gotten is to do EXACTLY what feels good, and not feel like I have to keep pushing myself like I did before. Our bodies are incredibly busy on the inside, and if growing a baby is all you can manage, then your body's telling you it needs the energy to grow the baby and you shouldn't beat yourself up over not being able to get to the gym.

cayleyrice | November 02 , 2009 8:38 AM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I used to work out, but I consider my job to be a pretty good workout. I'm on my feet a total of 7 hrs and 20 mins of my work day which sucks especially being pregnant. A lot of bending and lifting although I've been more careful about how much I lift now. I'm only a little over 4 weeks now so I'm extra tired now when my day is over.

susie985 | November 10 , 2009 2:29 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I'm officially 6 weeks along and I am due to run my first Marathon in a 1.5 weeks. I'm going to listen to what my body says and not push it, but I agree, if you were doing it before and it still feels ok, then go for it!

SunflowerGirl29 | November 11 , 2009 1:33 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I take spin classes, and step aerobics. I have had several different pregnant instructors

LBERGNER | November 12 , 2009 3:15 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

Hello! I am a zumba instructor! I use to teach 5 classes a week, but now I teach 2! Its okay to work out but, you must keep and eye on the heart rate! That is the most important thing because, it is not good for the baby if it gets to high! It must be at 140 to 150 bpm! If you notice it gets higher its best to slow down! I also, lift weights 3 days a week! I was lifting 40lbs on my arms altogether before I was pregnant but, now I do 20 lbs! Just more reps! It is truly important to listen to your body! So you can stick to things you did before but, you must modify!

AshleyBittle | November 16 , 2009 11:12 AM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I just found out I am pregnant right before the Philly marathon. I was so scared that I wouldnt be able to run it. When I went to get blood work to confirm the pregnancy, I talked to the doctor and he said it would be fine since I have been training, my body is ready for it. I am about 8 weeks, was 6.5 when I found out. I Just drank water at every water stop, and packed two baggies of orange slices. Ate 1 during and 1 after. It worked for me. I knocked off 1 hour and 10 mins from my last time too! Just listen to your body, i slowed down with running since then, but I am still exercising as much as possible!

katnkeith | December 03 , 2009 9:42 AM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

Kainkeith - I'm so glad to hear your answer. I found out I was pregnant two weeks ago and so I stopped didn't do the half marathon I've been training for and anticipating. I love running and want to keep doing it but have been scared. I've been crazy paranoid. I got a heart rate monitor and I reduced my exercise routine to an easy easy 30 minutes on the eliptical. I've been a little down because I'm used to working out a lot more. Thank you for your input

marnidukes | December 05 , 2009 11:07 AM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

yes

kristy342 | December 12 , 2009 9:22 AM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I agree with kristy342 . . . YES!

liltleli | December 14 , 2009 5:10 PM

Q&A: Exercise dos and don'ts during pregnancy?

I found out I was pregnant 2 days before my half marathon and still ran it. I packed lots of snacks and needed all of them when I was done. I am so glad I ran still, very rewarding. PLUS if I can do it pregnant I know I can do it again (maybe to help shed the baby weight). A week later the first trimester exhaustion kicked in so I didn't do much. Now I walk, jog (cutting back b/c breathing is getting hard while exercising), climb stairs, do some classes, etc. I have had to modify at this point due to decrease oxygen but I still try to stay active. TIP: if doing classes tell your instructor you are pregnant they can modify the activity if it is too high impact! keep going- exercising pregnant I think is so healthy for mom and baby!

caitykins5 | January 10 , 2010 8:36 AM

popular questions

recently added questions