Prenatal Workout No-No's
Exercise is very important while you are pregnant but don't proceed as if your body is the same as before. There are many prenatal exercise classes you can attend. Find out if there is any in your area. If not follow our prenatal workout no-nos for what you should not do when exercising.
Don't begin an exercise program and don't continue exercising without first checking with your doctor.
Don't begin a workout without a warm-up.
Don't exercise when flat on your back after the first trimester. It can decrease the blood flow to the uterus.
Don't stand motionless for extended periods. Change positions or step back and forth otherwise, you may decrease blood flow to the uterus.
Don't overdo it. Stop exercising when you become fatigued, or if you feel any cramp or pain and don't exercise to exhaustion. Reduce the intensity of your exercise routine so you'll have more oxygen available. Check your heart rate several times during a workout.
Don't get dehydrated or overheated. Don't exercise if the weather is very hot or humid, if you're feeling flu-ridden, or if you're running a fever. Drink plenty of water before you start, and carry a water bottle on long
workouts. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday, but drink more if you're constantly parched.
Approach with caution exercises that could throw off your balance, such as tennis or jogging, especially after the third trimester. Instead, you may want to slow to a fast walk.
Don't ignore the principles of proper nutrition. You'll need an additional 300 calories a day during pregnancy, whether or not you're exercising.
Check out these other articles in the Parenting category:
Basal Body Temperature and Cervical Mucus Chart
Hospital Checklist
Baby's Needs Checklist
Pregnancy: Alcohol, smoking, caffeine and drugs when trying for a baby
Baby Shower Gifts Are Not All The Same
Take Note!