Safe Exercise During Pregnancy

I’m pregnant. Which exercises are safe?

“For most women, exercising while pregnant is recommended,” says H. Alan Chang, MD, an OB-GYN physician at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. “But some precautions are recommended."

He says pregnant women should avoid strenuous exercise or sports that require exceptional balance, particularly if they’ve never done them before.

Secondly, they should choose exercises that are low-impact or no-impact, particularly in the later months. "Swimming and water exercises provide an excellent cardiovascular workout with little impact on your joints. Many pregnant women love the weightless feeling," Dr. Chang says.

Walking is also a great choice. Stretching exercises like yoga and Pilates are good too, especially in classes tailored for pregnant women.

"Always talk to you doctor before beginning an exercise program,” reminds Dr. Chang.