Q: Is it safe to exercise during my pregnancy?
A: Yes! It’s a great idea to keep exercising—or even start exercising—while you’re pregnant. According to a recent study, regular exercise may help prevent your baby from being overweight, which has been linked to complications for mom and baby.
Research has found that women with a higher-than-normal body mass index (BMI) have a higher risk of complications during pregnancy.
Activities such as walking and swimming are great places to start, as are other kinds of low-impact exercises (it’s best to avoid anything that includes bouncing or weights). Just remember that you should always check with your healthcare provider before you start any exercise regime while you’re pregnant, or if you plan to continue a regime you’ve already established.
If your pregnancy is the result of in-vitro fertilization, it may be wise to keep your exercise sessions brief, as women in one recent study who exercised regularly for 4 hours or more weekly were more likely to experience pregnancy loss. Ask us about prenatal exercise options available in our area.
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