 | | | | Related Healthscout Videos | |
|
Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >> But there are certain activities that should at least be undertaken with caution, if not avoided altogether. Pregnant women, for instance, should not go scuba diving, as that activity exposes the fetus to a risk of developing decompression sickness, also known as the bends.
Women also should think twice before engaging in activities where the risk of falling is higher, such as gymnastics, horseback riding, downhill skiing and high-intensity racquet sports. And they should avoid contact sports such as ice hockey, soccer and basketball.
"Anything that involves impact or the chance of abdominal trauma, they should try to avoid," Wang explained.
Text Continues Below
Exercise that's perfectly safe for expectant mothers includes Kegel exercises, swimming, walking, light dancing and yoga. Riding a stationary bicycle or working out on aerobic gym equipment -- elliptical or stair-climbing machines, for instance -- is also fairly safe, as long as care is taken to prevent a fall.
Most pregnant women also can take part in jogging, running and aerobics, especially if those were exercises they regularly performed before pregnancy.
Pregnant women who are doing weight training should emphasize improving their muscle tone, particularly in the upper body and abdominal area, according to the American Pregnancy Association. They should avoid lifting weights above their heads and performing exercises that strain the lower back muscles.
"There have been some studies that show heavy lifting causes a temporary drop in the baby's heart rate," Wang said. "It usually corrects pretty quickly, but they might want to be careful."
Other things to keep in mind if exercising while pregnant:
- Avoid exercising to the point of exhaustion or breathlessness, as that could affect the oxygen supply to the fetus.
- Avoid overheating, which can affect the baby's development. Don't exercise in hot weather.
- During the second and third trimesters, avoid exercise that involves lying flat on your back as this decreases blood flow to the womb.
Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>
|
.gif)
