How To-38: "How to Stay Fit While You're Pregnant"

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't exercise. Here's how to do it safely.

Steps

1. Maintain. This is a time to maintain your fitness level with modifications. This is NOT the time to push yourself.
   
2. Add some variety. Pregnancy is a great time to mix up the routine with some low-impact activities such as yoga.
   
3. Know your limits. You should be able to carry on a conversation during your entire workout. Your heart rate should not exceed 140 unless your OB says it's fine.
   
4. Communicate with your doctor and a certified fitness professional. Be sure to ask questions and let consultants know that you are pregnant. Often there are modifications to regular exercises that make them better for pregnancy.
   
5. Keep moving. You must workout at least 2 times a week to get the benefits from exercise. And keep it going throughout your entire pregnancy.
   
6. Watch your weight. Remember that your goal is to stay fit, not to lose weight. Losing weight during pregnancy is a big no-no.
   
7. Stay hydrated. It's key to drink a lot of water before, during and after exercise. Remember, you're drinking for two. Consider carrying a water bottle while you work out.
   

Tips

• Get outside.
  
• Find a workout partner.
  
• Find a certified fitness professional.
  
• Keep it fun.
  
• Eat healthy.
  

Warnings

• Ask your doctor first.
  
• Never exercise to exhaustion.
  
• Do not exercise in the heat.
  
• Know the warning signs for serious complications.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks
  
• How to Be Pregnant Gracefully
  
• How to Stay Fit at Home
  
• How to Create a Pregnancy Memory Album
  
• How to Prepare Yourself for a Healthy Pregnancy at 35 Years Old
  
• How to Create a Flash Photo Album
  

Sources and Citations

• Delivering Fitness
  
• Baby Fit
  
• Exercise and Pregnancy
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Stay Fit While You're Pregnant. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.