When Not To Do A Pregnancy Exercise Program

By Author: Michelle Ladd
Total Articles: 20
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Pregnancy exercise is a great addition to any healthy pregnancy but the health of your baby is the most important thing of all.  So knowing when to put down the weights or hop off the treadmill and give yourself a rest from your pregnancy exercise program is just as important.
 
No matter how fit you were before your pregnancy, you should not participate in any pregnancy exercise with any of the following conditions:
 
* Pregnancy Induced hypertension
* Pre-term rupture of placenta membranes
* Pre-term labor now, or in previous pregnancies
* incompetent cervix
* Persistent bleeding in 2nd or 3rd trimester
* Intrauterine growth retardation
 
If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms while performing your pregnancy exercise routine, you should stop and seek medical attention right away:
 
* Pain of any kind
* Bleeding
* Amniotic fluid leak
* Dizziness
* Shortness of breath
* Chest pain
* Faintness
* Muscles weakness
* Swelling of the calves
* ...
... Headache
* Difficulty walking
* Contractions/Pre-term labor 
* Unusual absence of fetal movement
 
If you weren't involved in a regular exercise program prior to getting pregnant, the 1st trimester isn't the time to start.  If you are interested in starting a pregnancy exercise program, try walking or other light exercise initially but wait until your 2nd trimester to add more challenging activities.
 
By this time, morning sickness should have subsided, you'll be feeling more energetic than before, and your body will be more ready to handle the demands of an pregnancy exercise program.
 
Of course we recommend checking with your doctor about exercising while pregnant - regardless of your activities beforehand.  They may have slight modifications and/or suggestions for you specifically.
Michelle Ladd and Laura Flynn are your Fit & Healthy Pregnancy Coaches with over 24 years experience empowering women to make healthy choices and regain the joy of being pregnant. Not to mention reclaiming your pre-baby body as well. Visit http://www.FitandHealthyPregnancy.com for free special reports and newsletter with breakthrough techniques for the best pregnancy ever!