$Unique_ID{BRK01642}
$Pretitle{Pregnancy and Childbirth}
$Title{Advice About Exercise During Pregnancy}
$Subject{pregnancy exercise}
$Volume{K-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Advice About Exercise During Pregnancy


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QUESTION:  The test was positive, and I am on my way to having my first baby.
I don't want to take any chances but would like to keep up some regular
exercise, like my aerobic program.  What is your advice about exercise during
pregnancy?

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ANSWER:  If you have a low risk pregnancy, then it will be helpful to continue
to exercise, but strenuous aerobic dancing isn't advised.
     Pregnant women should avoid any sustained highly strenuous exercise, such
as sprinting, which can reduce the flow of oxygenated blood to the fetus.
There are many activities which I would recommend for the pregnant woman.
They include brisk walking, tennis and badminton, calisthenics, yoga,
swimming, stretching, bowling, bicycling, volleyball, racketball, softball,
cross-country skiing, ice and roller skating, golf, light dancing and moderate
jogging.
     Continuing to exercise during pregnancy can be beneficial in most cases.
The trained body has better cardiovascular fitness.  It also has the reserves
to meet the demand of a difficult work load, and that includes labor and
delivery.  I am sure you will be just fine.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
