Exercises Do’s & Don’ts
Exercise during pregnancy is well recognized as being both a safe and beneficial practice for mother and fetus. Pregnant people should do low-impact, moderate-intensity exercises that lead to light sweating and slight increases in heart rate.
Do's
- Stay hydrated.
- Stay cool and wear loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear well-fitting, supportive, non-slip shoes.
- Recognize when to exercise less often or reduce the intensity of exercises.
- Set realistic goals and try to stick to them.
- Remember to breathe and be aware of the heart rate during workouts.
- Also, it is important to stop and rest anytime a person feels tired or weak.
Don'ts - To prevent complications, avoid:
- High-impact exercises
- Sudden movements
- Exercises with a high risk of falling, such as gymnastic or aerial sports
- Bouncing or leaping
- Raising the feet above the head
- Exercises that place jarring pressure on the pelvis and torso, such as horseback riding
- Exercises or environments that increase the risk of overheating
- Standing for too long, which can cause blood to pool in the legs