If You Exercise Regularly

Women who love to exercise are willing to juggle hectic schedules to fit it into their daily routine. They believe exercise is necessary to help them feel fit, control their weight and look their best. They don't want to give up exercising or its benefits because of pregnancy.

If you exercised on a regular basis before you became pregnant, you may need to modify your exercise goals and take things a little easier during pregnancy. The goal of exercising at this time is overall good health. Exercise makes you feel better physically, and it can give you an emotional boost, but don't overdo it.

There are benefits to continuing a moderate exercise program during your pregnancy.
Some doctors believe that women who exercise during pregnancy enjoy a shorter recovery time after birth. Because exercise keeps you fit, you may bounce back more quickly.

You may have to change or to modify your exercise program during pregnancy because of changes in your body. Your center of gravity shifts, so you need to adjust your exercise for that. As your abdomen grows larger, you may not be able to do some activities very comfortably, and you may have to eliminate others.

During pregnancy, your heart rate is higher; you don't have to exercise as vigorously to reach your target-he art-rate range. Be careful not to put too much stress on your cardiovascular system. If your heart rate is too high, slow down but don't stop completely. Continue exercising at a moderate rate. If your heart rate is too low and you don't feel winded, you may pick up the pace a bit, but don't overdo it. Check your pulse rate frequently to make sure you aren't overexerting.

Women who jog or run regularly often want to continue this activity during pregnancy. If you are used to jogging and have been involved in regular jogging before pregnancy, you can continue to jog in moderation during pregnancy. Listen to your body when it tells you to slow down-don't get overheated, stop if you feel tired and drink lots of water.