Most women who perform regular weight-bearing exercise prior to pregnancy note a progressive decline in performance beginning in early pregnancy. Here are some tips from Elizabeth Pryor, MD, to help keep you moving at a rate that's safe:

• Keep it regular. Exercise regularly (at least three times per week) — this is preferable to intermittent activity.
• Easy on the heart. Keep your target heart rate at 140 beats per minute or less.
• Don't lie on your back. Avoid exercise that requires you to lie flat on your back after the first trimester. Such a position is associated with decreased cardiac output in most pregnant women.
• Eat a healthy diet. Pregnancy requires an additional 300 calories per day. Thus, women who exercise during pregnancy should be particularly careful to ensure they're eating an adequate diet, and one that's providing all the necessary nutrients.
• Less oxygen, less intensity. The amount of oxygen available for aerobic exercise decreases during pregnancy. Be aware of this fact, and modify the intensity of your exercise according to your symptoms.
• Resume exercise gradually after pregnancy. Many of the changes of pregnancy persist four to six weeks postpartum. Thus, prepregnancy exercise routines should be resumed gradually based on your physical capability.
• Know when to call it quits. Stop exercising when you feel fatigued and don't exercise to exhaustion.
• Don't overheat. Take care to not become overheated when exercising during the first trimester. You can protect against this by ensuring adequate hydration, appropriate clothing, and optimal environmental surroundings (not too warm) during exercise.
• Weight-bearing exercises. Weight-bearing exercises may, under some circumstances, be continued throughout pregnancy at intensities similar to those prior to pregnancy. Non-weight-bearing exercises such as cycling or swimming will minimize the risk of injury and facilitate the continuation of exercise during pregnancy.

Depending on your needs and the physiologic changes associated with pregnancy, you may have to modify your specific exercise regimen. Your expectations of exercise performance may in turn need to be modified during your pregnancy. Ask your doctor about the changes you may need to make in your exercise program.

Reported by Elizabeth Pryor, MD, FACOG. Dr. Pryor, board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 1994, is licensed and practices in Tennessee.

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Content courtesy of American Baby.