exercising when pregnant

my cousin is pregnant, due in january, and she and i would like to do some sort of exercise together. i am pretty large (not pregnant), and am just starting exercising again, and since she is pregnant i figured we should take it kinda easy to start out. can we make a difference by just walking at a fast pace? there are many trails around her house in public parks...

any suggestions will be appreciated. thanks!

Tue. Jun 27, 10:56am

Absolutely a great idea! I worked out nearly daily while pregnant and it was very helpful to me in labor. Walking is good. Just make sure you are taking water along and pace to keep heartrate around 140 beats per minute. Dehydration is the most common factor in premature labor and working at too intense a level redirects blood from the baby to the mom's muscles. Another form of exercise that is FANTASTIC while pregnant is swimming or water aerobics. Not only do you get a cardio and resistance workout in one fell swoop, but the pressure of the water against the skin and low gravity environment help to keep swelling and blood pressure down, particularly during pregnancy. It's also harder to get overheated in the water. Just make sure you are still taking water to drink with you to the pool as well!

Here's hoping all three of you find a plan that works!

Tuesday, June 27, 2006, 11:11 AM

I walked everyday while I was pregnant. It was great, and I think kept my labor speedy. Even while in labor I heard a voice say "go walk" I did and within the hour my beautiful baby was born.

I agree with the above poster on water aerobics and swimming. Any mom who's expecting will love the pool as she get's bigger because it helps releave the strain of carring around extra weight.

You can also look into videos like "pilates while expecting" "Pregancy and yoga" . The main thing is to listen to your body!

Good luck and keep us posted!

Tuesday, June 27, 2006, 1:59 PM

exercise while pregnant

I exercised every day while I was pregnant and I think it really helped me (I didn't gain any weight beyond the baby herself). HOWEVER, once she is showing, tell her to NOT do any lying abdominal exercises or Pilates. I think I would have had diastasis recti anyway, but my insistance on keeping my abdominal strength in pristine form may have led to the severe case that I have. She needs to go light on weights and light on impact. Otherwise, tell her to enjoy her time to exercise for her and her baby!

Link

Wednesday, June 28, 2006, 3:03 PM

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