CAN YOU RUN THROUGHOUT YOUR PREGNANCY?

A:

Maintaining a regular exercise routine throughout your pregnancy can help you stay healthy and feel your best. It can also improve your posture and decrease some common discomforts like backaches and fatigue. There is evidence that it may prevent gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy), relieve stress, and build more stamina needed for labor and delivery. If you were physically active before your pregnancy, you should be able to continue your activity with modifications as necessary. You can exercise at your former level as long as you are comfortable and have your doctor's approval. Low impact aerobics are encouraged versus high impact. Do not let your heart rate exceed 140 beats per minute. The pregnant competitive athlete should be closely followed by an obstetrical provider.

Avoid aerobic exercise during pregnancy if you have:

-Hemodynamically significa

-Incompetent cervix/cerclage

-Multiple gestation at risk for premature labor

-Persistent second- or third-trimester bleeding

-Placenta previa after 26 weeks of gestation

-Premature labor during the current pregnancy

-Ruptured membranes

-Preeclampsia/pregnancy-induced hypertension

Take precautions with aerobic exercise during pregnancy if you have:

-Severe anemia

-Unevaluated maternal cardiac arrhythmia