SHOULD I BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE DURING PREGNANCY

Should I be physically active during my
pregnancy?
Almost all women can and should be physically active
during pregnancy . Talk to your health care provider
first, particularly if you have high blood pressure,
diabetes, anemia, bleeding, or other disorders, or if
you are obese or underweight .
Whether or not you were active before you were
pregnant, ask your health care provider about a level
of exercise that is safe for you . Aim to do at least 30
minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (one
that makes you breathe harder but does not overwork
or overheat you) on most, if not all, days of the week .
Regular, moderate-intensity physical activity
during pregnancy may:
•
Help you and your baby to gain the proper
amounts of weight .
•
Reduce the discomforts of pregnancy, such as
backaches, leg cramps, constipation, bloating,
and swelling .
•
Reduce your risk for gestational diabetes (dia-
betes found for the first time when a woman is
pregnant) .
•
Improve your mood and energy level