Exercising for 20 minutes at a time, three days a week should be enough to keep you healthy and looking good. Stop when you feel you should, slow down when you can’t breathe or talk comfortably.
Regular exercise is safer than occasional bursts of exercise and remember to always warm up gradually and make sure you cool down properly after exercise especially by stretching.
Eat and drink for two! You will need about 300 extra calories a day and it is very important to drink enough fluids. Always keep a bottle of water and wear comfortable clothing when exercising in hot weather.
Avoid lying flat on your back after the first trimester. This position keeps blood from flowing to your brain and uterus, and can make you dizzy, short of breath, or nauseated. Keep moving by switching positions or walking in place. Standing motionless for long periods, when you’re lifting weights or doing yoga poses, can also decrease blood flow to the uterus.
Always call your doctor if you experience one or more of the following symptoms during exercising:
- pain anywhere, but especially in your back or pelvic region
- shortness of breath
- dizziness or feeling faint
- excessive fatigue
- difficulty walking
- contractions
- fluid leaking from your vagina
- decreased fetal movement
- rapid heartbeat while at rest
