Exercise is important during pregnancy just as it is throughout life.  It is an excellent tool to manage your weight and energy during pregnancy, as well as to help keep you active and limber throughout pregnancy, which can ease pregnancy aches and pains and ease labor.  Of course it is not always OK to exercise during pregnancy so be sure to talk to your doctor about any special circumstances in your pregnancy.

A few rules to keep exercise safe during pregnancy:

• Talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine.  It is generally OK for most women to exercise during pregnancy but there are always exceptions so it is important to talk to your care provider first.
• Eat well and take in extra calories.  During pregnancy it is recommended that you consume 300 more calories, this is especially important if you are exercising.
• Say no to dangerous sports, especially those that involve contact, require balance, or require you to lie flat on your back.
• Wear the right clothing.  Be sure your exercise wear is loose fitting and comfortable.  You don’t want to get over heated or be uncomfortable so keep that in mind when you purchase your maternity exercise wear.
• Take time before your workout to warm up and after your workout to cool down.  During pregnancy hormones make your joints looser so warming up and cooling down are important to avoid unnecessary injuries.
• Keep hydrated.  Dehydration during pregnancy can cause false labor, it can also raise your body temperature which is dangerous to the baby.  Keep hydrated throughout the day and then be sure to have water with you so you can keep hydrated during your work out.
• Don’t overdo it.  Listen to your body.  If you are feeling any pain, discomfort, or are exhausted stop your workout.
• Make exercise part of your routine.  If you did not exercise prior to pregnancy this is especially important as it was not part of your routine before.  You are more likely to stick with it if it is part of your daily routine.

Again, it is very important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine during pregnancy.  Exercise can be very helpful for most pregnant women, but not all.