$Unique_ID{BRK01642} $Pretitle{} $Title{Advice About Exercise During Pregnancy} $Subject{pregnancy exercise Childbirth baby exercise exercises aerobic aerobics pregnancies pregnant strenuous fetus brisk walking tennis badminton calisthenics yoga swimming stretching bowling bicycling volleyball racquetball softball cross-country skiing ice roller skating golf light dancing jogging cardiovascular walk swim} $Volume{K-23} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Advice About Exercise During Pregnancy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: The test was positive, and I am on my way to having my first baby. I don't want to take any chances but would like to keep up some regular exercise, like my aerobic program. What is your advice about exercise during pregnancy? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: If you have a low risk pregnancy, then it will be helpful to continue to exercise, but strenuous aerobic dancing isn't advised. Pregnant women should avoid any sustained highly strenuous exercise, such as sprinting, which can reduce the flow of oxygenated blood to the fetus. There are many activities which I would recommend for the pregnant woman. They include brisk walking, tennis and badminton, calisthenics, yoga, swimming, stretching, bowling, bicycling, volleyball, racquetball, softball, cross-country skiing, ice and roller skating, golf, light dancing and moderate jogging. Continuing to exercise during pregnancy can be beneficial in most cases. The trained body has better cardiovascular fitness. It also has the reserves to meet the demand of a difficult work load, and that includes labor and delivery. I am sure you will be just fine. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.