Pregnant Women Need Exercise!

Some pregnant women think they no longer need or should exercise since they're at such a fragile stage. This couldn't be further from the truth. Exercising when you're pregnant is not only good for you, but it's good for your baby as well.

Some of the benefits of exercising when pregnant include:

• Less pregnancy complaints such as backache and constipation
• Less likely to gain weight during your pregnancy. This doesn't include the baby's weight, of course.
• Reduced risk of obtaining gestational diabetes
• Reduced pain during labor
• Decreased recovery time after birth 
• Baby will be calmer 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, has guidelines for pregnancy women that exercise. They state that women who are pregnant should perform 30 minutes of average, moderate physical activity 4-6 days of the week. This doesn't mean going to the gym to pump iron and run three miles, but simply getting out of the house and going for a stroll around the block, or a bike ride with the kids (depending how pregnant you are).

You need to be extra cautious of symptoms that originate during exercise. These conditions include:

• Dizziness
• Faintness
• Shortness of breath
• Vaginal bleeding
• Heart palpitations
• Uterine contractors
• Headaches 

If you experience any of these complications during your workout, seek advice of medical professionals.