How to exercise during pregnancy
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- Dr. Keith Eddleman , Director of Obstetrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
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Dr. Keith Eddleman
Director of Obstetrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
How much exercise is good for a pregnant woman? When is it too strenuous? Dr. Keith Eddleman, an author and the head of obstetrics at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, has advice that begins with "listen to your body."
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Instructions
How to exercise during pregnancy
Staying active during pregnancy is important, but how much exercise is too much? Follow these guidelines to determine the right amount of activity for you.- Keep pace with your pre-pregnancy fitness level. Increase your activity only if you do so gradually.
- Be aware of changes in your body, such as a changing center of gravity, as you exercise.
- Pregnancy-fitness classes can be especially appropriate for women who didn’t have a high exercise level before their pregnancy.
- Fitness aids in tolerating pregnancy and is helpful during labor and delivery.
- Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular activity with low injury risks for pregnant women.
- Avoid downhill skiing, skydiving, Bikram yoga or any activity with an increased risk of injury or increased body temperature.
- If you have certain complications such as pre-term labor, placenta previa or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about exercise during your pregnancy.
- Always listen to your body. If you experience any unusual symptoms during exercise, stop the activity and see if it goes away. If it doesn't, that activity is probably off-limits for you.
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