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Exercise can play an important role in health and well being during pregnancy. It has been shown to allow faster weight loss after pregnancy, and improve mood and sleep patterns. Some studies have shown faster labors and less need for induction of labor using drugs or epidurals. Exercise can also ease many of the common discomforts of pregnancy such as constipation, backache, fatigue, leg swelling, and varicose veins. Most women are able to maintain an exercise program throughout pregnancy, although some activities may need to be modified. You may not be able to exercise while pregnant if you: have previously given birth to low birth weight babies, have experienced preterm labor, noticed vaginal bleeding, felt contractions, or have other pregnancy related complications. If you have a history of medical problems such as: severe anemia, heart problems, poorly controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease, you should check with your doctor before starting or continuing an exercise program. The following guidelines apply if your pregnancy is low risk and you have checked with your doctor to make sure you can continue an exercise program. - Regular exercise, at least 3 times a week, is preferable to more random activity
- During the second and third trimesters, avoid exercise that involves laying flat on your back because this allows less blood flow to your womb
- Avoid exercising to the point of exhaustion or breathlessness. This is a sign that your baby and your body are getting less oxygen
- Be aware that loss of balance could be harmful
- Avoid exercises that may cause trauma to the abdomen
- Especially in the first trimester, drink plenty of fluids before and during exercise to avoid overheating.
- Include relaxation and stretching both before and after you exercise
- Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Exercise may require you to eat more calories
According to a new study, vigorous exercise may improve the chances for a timely delivery. Overly strenuous exercise during pregnancy is not advocated, however, for women who did not exercise intensely before becoming pregnant. And all pregnant women should avoid high-impact, jerky, and jarring exercises, such as aerobic dancing, which can weaken the pelvic floor muscles that support the uterus. During exercise, women should monitor their temperature to avoid overheating -- a side effect that can damage the fetus. (No pregnant women should use hot tubs or steam baths, which can cause fetal damage and miscarriage.) Swimming may be the best option for most pregnant women. It involves no impact, overheating is unlikely, and swimming face down promotes optimum blood flow to the uterus. Walking is also highly beneficial. | 
