The most common question about pregnancy I get asked is A) should I exercise? and B) how long is it safe to exercise whilst pregnant?
I would recommend:
A) You do exercise to throughout your entire pregnancy, although you should pay attention to exercise type and intensity that should change with each trimester. Exercise performed correctly will ensure you remain as fit and healthy during exercise helping to reduce the risk of complications. As well as greater peace of mind I will enable you to more easily control the inevitable weight gain that comes during pregnancy.
B) It is safe to exercise throughout your pregnancy (unless you have conditions that conflict e.g. hypertension. This is based on individual situations), commonly I have clients training on average up to 4-6 weeks prior to term. This is of course taking into account every individual has different comfort zones, but training up until 4 weeks will usually help to maintain mobility and range of movement in the later stages of pregnancy.
Currently I have personally seen in excess of 50 clients to term without incident.
It has been widely accepted in the medical community that healthy, pregnant women will benefit from a safe and sound exercise program. It is important, however, that appropriate modifications are made to an expectant woman's exercise program. To do this, the Health and Fitness Professional must be aware of the many physiological changes that take place throughout pregnancy.
Program design for the expectant woman should, first and foremost, ensure maternal and foetal safety. Appropriate exercise guidelines and medical concerns need to be taken into consideration. Secondly, program design should be individualized to take into account each pregnant woman's needs. The exercise routine may include cardiorespiratory, resistance, and flexibility training. Finally, it should be fun and enjoyable, to ensure continuous participation during pregnancy.
