Exercise Guidelines

Exercise during pregnancy is considered safe as long as you can still talk during your workout. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology agree these exercises are safest for pregnant patients:

• Walking: Walking gives a total body workout and is easy on the joints and muscles.
• Swimming and water workouts: Water workouts use many of the body’s muscles. The water supports your weight so you avoid injury and muscle strain.
• Stationary bicycling: Your growing belly can affect your balance and make you more likely to fall. Riding a standard bicycle during pregnancy can be risky.  Cycling on a stationary bike is a better choice.
• Modified yoga and modified Pilates: Yoga reduces stress, improves flexibility, and encourages stretching and focused breathing. There are prenatal yoga and Pilates classes designed for pregnant patients. These classes often teach modified poses that accommodate a pregnant patient’s shifting balance. You should avoid poses that require you to be still or lie on your back for long periods. When you lie on your back, your uterus presses on a large vein that returns blood to the heart.  Standing motionless can cause blood to pool in your legs and feet. These positions may cause your blood pressure to decrease for a short time.
• Running: If you are an experienced runner, jogger, or racquet-sports player, you may be able to keep doing these activities during pregnancy. Discuss these activities with your health care team.