EXERCISE GUIDELINES DURING PREGNANCY
by Dan DeFigio

Most ob/gyn experts are gradually doing away with many pre-partum exercise guidelines, because as time goes on, it appears that normal exercise is just fine for most pregnant women. Ask your doctor for current recommendations.

1. No supine positions (lying on your back) after the first trimester. This can cause supine hypertensive syndrome where the expanding uterus cuts off circulation to the brain, causing you to pass out.

2. Check for diastasis recti on a regular basis. This is a splitting of the rectus abdominis muscle. It's no big deal, but if it happens, you'll have to know how to modify your abdominal exercises. Ask your doctor how to check for this condition.

3. No hip abduction or adduction after the 4th month.

4. No full squats or full lunges after the first trimester - stick to partial ranges of motion for these exercises.

5. Exercises in a prone position are not recommended.

6. Limit pulse to 140 bpm when exercising, especially if you are sensitive to overheating.

7. Limit caffeine - it's bad for the baby.

8. Don't smoke or drink alcohol - DUH!

9. Be sure to eat something 30 minutes before your work out. A rapid drop in blood sugar levels can harm the fetus during the last trimester.

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