What's the latest word on exercise?

[JennyG]

When I had my daughter 6 years ago, I was told not to let my heart rate get above a certain point because the baby overheats inside the womb. Now it seems like they are telling moms that it's ok as long as you are not out of breath and can still talk.

I'm still dancing an hour everyday at 26 weeks and sometimes I worry enough though I don't feel overheated or even very sweaty.

What have you ladies heard about exercise?

 

[Mamafy]

I think so long as it's something you've been doing pre-pregnancy then I wouldn't worry Pregnancy wouldn't be the best time to start exercise for the first time but there's nothing wrong with keeping your fitness up so long as you know your limits xx

 

[serenitylove]

i was told if u have done befor ok but as i suffer with high blood pressure then swimming and walking best for me just ask your mw

 

[bwakeling]

I've always heard that half an hour a day is fine, nothing too strenuous though. Walking, jogging or swimming are fine.

 

[Rosie's Mummy]

Ive been swimming and walking a fair bit - I also have an exercise bike

 

[Sam's Mum]

My mum was still jogging when she was 8 mon ths pregnant with me ...as the others have said, as long as you're not increasing the amount of exercise you're doing since becoming pregnant it's fine. Things like cycling, swimming etc. are recommended because your ligaments etc. are more susceptible to damage as your body prepares for birth because things become more stretchy but as long as you don't feel you're overdoing it I wouldn't worry

 

[Rosie's Mummy]

No kickboxing ok?

 

[Tonks]

Keep dancing as long as you feel comfortable

I'm doing a course in personal training (currently postponed until September!) but we did cover some health in pregnancy.

If your body is used to exercise, then keep doing it as long as you feel comfortable. A fit body will help with labour, and post natal you will get back into shape quicker. Just remember that when pregnant, the hormones in your body cause your ligaments and muscles to stretch and become looser so you are more prone to injury. Just keep your MW informed of your exercise at appointments.

If you are not used to exercise, consult your doctor but you should aim to do 30 mins of exercise a few times a week. Keep it low impact, walking, swimming, aqua aerobics, gentle cycling, etc

 

[PippaJ]

I asked my GP this question and was told exactly the above, if you exercise already then you're ok to carry on as normal (using common sense though) but if you don't already exercise then it's not the best time to start doing new things but try to do walking or swimming instead as they are good for you and exercise really does help with labour.

 

[Laura Swain]

Hello ladies

I do a lot of cycling - I always did. But I live in a very hilly area and the roads are very busy and dangerous with the speeding cars etc..

Do you think it's bad for baby to do all this knackering hill cycling?
I cycle about eight miles a day sometimes but it's getting a lot harder now. I think I should take it easy

what do you reckon

Lau

 

[JennyG]

Hello ladies

I do a lot of cycling - I always did. But I live in a very hilly area and the roads are very busy and dangerous with the speeding cars etc..

Do you think it's bad for baby to do all this knackering hill cycling?
I cycle about eight miles a day sometimes but it's getting a lot harder now. I think I should take it easy

what do you reckon

Lau

It sounds like it could be dangerous for you and the baby Laura. As a medic, I know how traumatic a cyclist vs automobile can be. If you are hit, the chances of preterm delivery are very high. If you love to cycle, maybe find a quiet spot where you and baby will be safer!

All the best!

 

[JennyG]

Thanks for all the advice! I've noticed my hips lossening in the past few weeks so like many of you said, that will be the thing to watch out for.

Like I said, the advice six years ago was to not get too hot because like would be like "boiling a baby in a bag" since they can't sweat inside my body to cool down. I feel better now!