Puddle Jumping: Fitness Friday: Pregnancy and Exercise

When I was pregnant with my first, I didn't even show for the first 7 months hardly enough to even mention it. That rapidly changed with the proceeding pregnancies. And, I suddenly became aware of needing to stay fit while pregnant and afterward to get back my pre-pregnancy body.

But, how much exercise is too much during pregnancy? And, is it even healthy at all to work out while carrying a baby?

First - Check with your doctor before you do any kind of exercise while pregnant, because every pregnancy is different. Just because you carried 8 kids and home-birthed them all, completely unmedicated and stoic, doesn't mean that baby #9 will offer the exact same smooth-sailing nine months to your body.

Actually, exercise during pregnancy has been shown to help reduce the risk of diabetes, to help lose baby fat faster, and to even get the labor process started.

But - Be careful to pace yourself.

Low-impact aerobics are the heart-pumping beneficial kind of moving. Don't push yourself too far or too fast.

Swimming can be very good for an expectant mama.

Walking is great for the mommy-to-be.

Just be sure to avoid exercise that concentrates on the abdomen. There will be plenty of time to work on this several week post baby.

Avoid workouts that strain or push you beyond what you feel comfortable with.

Above all else, be sure to check with your doctor before you begin any exercise routine while pregnant, and if you experience any dizziness, pain, or other issues that don't seem normal.

Also, be sure to stay super hydrated before, during, and after workouts.

If you have been told to stay on bedrest - DON'T CHANCE A WORKOUT! Getting a healthy baby to arrive to a healthy mama is your first and foremost goal at this time. Any body shaping that needs to be done will progress better if you wait till you have the doctor's clearance post-baby (usually at least size weeks after welcoming your little bundle). If you have a c-section, this "ok to workout" date will stretch out to eight weeks or more.

One exercise that is beneficial and is not too strenuous during pregnancy that prepares you for labor, are Kegal exercises. They help build the muscles that will support you throughout labor and after.

See what other Fitness Friday bloggers have to say about staying fit and eating healthy: