Exercise while Preggie?

You betcha, Baby !!! Lots of things come into play when talking about exercise. let alone when you talk about exercising while preggo. So let's get into it!

Firstly: Did you exercise BEFORE you conceived? This is very important! Yes, you can begin an exercise program while pg. But it would start out being VERY VERY low key! You can NOT start running 5 miles a day, if you NEVER ran before! If you are somewhat in shape- you can go ahead and begin a program in the 1st trimester. But you need to be careful about what you start out with. You're all intelligent women, be thoughtful and careful and I am sure you'll pick the right program for you.

If you have been exercising then you can continue with the program you've got. Now, unfortunately, is not the time to set up bigger goals for your body. Your body has a big enough goal as it is, building a baby. So stick with your workouts as it is. Listen to your body. And you'll be fine, and your baby will be fine too.

Exercise is a great way to minimize pregnancy complaints, infuse yourself with more energy, aid in keeping the weight gain on track, set you up for a better labor. An extra bonus is, that it will also help you knock off the weight after the baby is born.

Better labor? Yup! You're body will be strong. Strong abs, especially help out with bearing down. Strong legs help as well. Strength helps, let's just sum it up like that.

Secondly, Hydration! Big consideration to bear in mind! No matter what exercise you enjoy Drink Drink Drink! Don't worry about having to pause to pee either. You need as much water as you can consume. Right now, while running, I have to stop and find a bush along the way. That's okay with me. It's more comfortable for me to run w/ an empty bladder.

Thirdly: Eating... WOW! Do we preggies have to eat! And, ladies, ice cream and cookies, does not cut it! We need to find more and more and more ways to get those healthy calories in, what with the smells, the nausea, the taste bud changes, and the fatigue. Inventiveness is KEY here! Remember- cravings are good, so long as they are healthy cravings! If you crave dirt, naturally you won't fulfill that. A craving for one piece of dark chocolate, or even two, that's doable. But cravings for entire bags of candy, or cookies is not to be indulged! Please Note: if in a moment of weakness you give in... not all is lost! Just do better next time.

Fourthly: Energy Levels. This is one of the most important times you need to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! If you're just too pooped, that's okay. Don't do the entire workout, cut it short. Do something less draining. Don't drive yourself into the ground! You'll be miserable. But again, if in a moment of weakness you give into the drive to do too much... it's OKAY! Just rest up, and do better next time!

Along with energy, do your best to get plenty of rest and sleep! Your body will not thank you if you don't.

So, summing up. Remember to take into consideration your fitness level, hydration, caloric intake, and your energy levels when you exercise and you'll be able to exercise safely while being an incubator. But hopefully, you were already doing all of that BEFORE you conceived anyway, so it will just be more of the same!