The days when doctors advised expectant mothers to remain sedentary are long gone. Now, doctors acknowledge that pregnant women should be exercising for as long as they are able.  Exercising while pregnant will help boost the woman's mood, improve sleep quality and reduce the aches and pains of pregnancy. Exercising throughout pregnancy, especially core exercises can even make the delivery easier because you've prepped the body by strengthening key muscles. The best rule of thumb is to listen to your body.  Each person is different, so only do what you can do without pain. Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen. 

We have a list of safe exercises for expectant mothers so that you can have the best pregnancy experience possible.

Walking and Running

Walking is a great cardiovascular exercise for pregnant women!  It's low-impact on the feet and ankles and can be done anywhere with minimal equipment. If you're a runner, the good news is that you can continue running through your pregnancy.  You shouldn't run as many miles or  as fast, but as long as you feel okay, running is a perfectly safe workout option. Usually, once the third trimester hits, running can become difficult to continue.  If this is the case, then switch to walking.

Yoga

Yoga, another low-impact exercise, is a great way to keep your muscles toned and keep your body flexible without putting too much stress on your joints.  Yoga will also help you relax and connect with your baby.  If you do yoga during your pregnancy, you will want to supplement it with some form of cardiovascular exercise.

Swimming

Swimming is known to be one of the best workouts for pregnant women because it exercises large muscle groups, like the arms and legs. It is a great cardiovascluar exercise and provides that amazing weightless feeling when many women are feeling their heaviest.

Aerobics

If you want to stay in shape with a group, join a low-impact aerobics class.  Many gyms and healthclubs offer maternity aerobics classes now, which is a great way to meet other expectant moms and feel assured that your movements are safe for the baby.

Strength Training

Strength training is important for keeping your body strong during pregnancy.  If you work to keep your muscles strong during most of the pregnancy, you will be relieved to find that the labor process is easier because it does not strain you muscles as much. Ab workouts are safe to do during the first trimester, so get them in early while you still can.  Lift weights that are not as heavy as you would normally use, although you can perform more repetitions to still get a good workout. Strength training is a fantastic way to help keep your arms and legs toned.

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