Guidelines for Exercise During Pregnancy

October 27th, 2005

Exercise programs should take into consideration your individual medical and exercise history. Consult with your physcian before beginning or continuing an exercise program to see if you have any conditions which might restrict your physical activity during pregnancy.

TOP exercising and consult your physician if you experience any of the following symptoms during exercise:

  • bleeding
  • cramping
  • faintness
  • elevated blood pressure
  • dizziness
  • severe joint pain

Pregnant women should NOT exercise to exhaustion–stop when you are fatigued.

Listen to your body. Exercise should not be painful. Be alert to medical conditions which may indicate the need to change activities or stop exercising. Some examples are:

  • early effacement or dilation
  • premature labor
  • multiple fetuses.

Expect some discomfort, particularly in the third trimester. Learn all you can about exercise during pregnancy so you know how much discomfort is ordinary and what might be cause for concern..

Exercise regularly and consistently. You should exercise at least three times per week. If you exercise more frequently, alternate hard and easy workouts.

Do not exercise vigorously in hot, humid weather. Do not exercise at all during an illness with fever. A core body temperature that remains elevated for prolonged periods can impair development of the fetus, particularly during the first six weeks of pregnancy.

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Am I Pregnant?

October 26th, 2005

The Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Symptom Time of Occurance Other Reasons
Missed Period Onset of Pregnancy Stress, excessive weight gain or loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, going off the birth control pill
Nausea & Vomiting 2-8 weeks after conception Food poisoning, stress, or stomach disorder
Breast Soreness 1-2 weeks after conception Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation
Headaches Onset of Pregnancy Caffeine withdrawal, eye strain or other ailment.
Increased Urination 6-8 weeks after conception Urinary tract infection, diabetes, or other ailment.
Breast Enlargement & Changes 1 - 14 weeks after conception Hormonal imbalance
Food Cravings Onset of Pregnancy Impending menstruation, poor diet, stress, or depression.
Fatigue 1-6 weeks after conception Stress, fatigue, depression or other ailment like a cold or flu
Backache 1-6 weeks after conception Stress or improper posture
Bloating 2-8 weeks after conception Impending menstruation, excessive salt intake, gas or other ailment
Vaginal Discharge 1-14 weeks after conception Vaginal infection or impending menstruation
Gas 2-14 weeks after conception Poor diet, carbonation, etc.
Cramps *This symptom normally doesn’t appear with pregnancy but I had it during the first 8 weeks. Sometimes it was so painful yet I couldn’t take any medication for it. It’s my theory that women who get extremely bad menstruation cramps may experience similar in the beginning of pregnancy. However, contact your doctor if the cramp is focused on one side of the stomach and/or if bleeding accompanies them.

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