PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

9 Pregnancy Myths That Might Surprise You - Myth 4

By Temma Ehrenfeld and Sherry Baker @temmaehrenfeld
 | 
November 09, 2017
19 Nov 2013 --- Pregnant woman holding dumbbells --- Image by © Wavebreak Media LTD/Wavebreak Media Ltd./Corbis

Claim #4: You shouldn’t do aerobic exercise while pregnant. 

 

Response: Healthy pregnant women need at least 2.5 hours of aerobic activity, such as walking or swimming, every week, according to the March of Dimes pregnancy experts. Regular physical activity can prevent or reduce some of the discomforts of pregnancy, such us back pain, and lower your risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, which can put you and your baby at risk. Most exercise activities are safe if you are cautious and do not overdo it. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising. Exercise in a temperature-controlled room, and do not exercise outside if it is hot or humid.

That said, some forms of aerobic exercise and sports — including downhill skiing, scuba diving, basketball, and horseback riding — aren’t safe during pregnancy.

At your first prenatal checkup, ask your doctor if aerobic exercise during pregnancy is safe for you.



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Updated:  

June 23, 2022

Reviewed By:  

Janet O’Dell, RN