Pregnant and exercising? Here are the do’s and don’ts!

Exercising whilst pregnant can help you remain healthy and fit — however, being pregnant will require you to modify your habits and routine just a bit. Below we’ve compiled a list of do’s and don’ts for the fit mommies out there.

Do

…maintain your fitness level during pregnancy. This will help with weight loss after your pregnancy.

…stay active and keep your blood flowing. Exercising for about 30 minutes a day will do wonders for your body and overall well-being.

…plan your days ahead. This will help you stick to your routine as well as stay committed on those days when you won’t necessarily have the energy to get going.

…eat a fair amount of healthy calories to meet your pregnancy and exercise needs.

…consult your healthcare professional if you’re experiencing an at-risk pregnancy. Your exercise routine should be closely monitored should you find yourself in a risky situation.

Don’t

…exercise for weight loss and go all hardcore cardio on your body. Stick to a milder routine – chances are you’ll lose a little weight anyway as a result of low impact exercises.

…get involved in activities where there is likely to be some risk of impact with other people or objects. Avoid contact sports or activities that require you to jump or skip or bounce.

…exercise until you’re exhausted or out of breath. It’s important that you and baby receive the oxygen you both need.

…lie on your back during the second and third trimester of your pregnancy. Doing this decreases blood flow to the uterus.

…overstretch. The hormone relaxin causes your joints to soften and your muscles to become more elastic. You may feel like you can stretch yourself. But don’t. You may tear a muscle!