Exercise is important. That’s a no brainer. During pregnancy, exercise not only keeps your body toned and healthy, but will also increase blood flow, help fight fatigue and prepare your body for the exertion of delivery. I did not exercise regularly during my last pregnancy, although I did make a point to go on a walk as frequently as I could when it wasn’t too hot out. Now I’m almost mid-way through this pregnancy and I made a promise to myself that I would start exercising again. I was doing pretty well before I got pregnant, but have not gone to the gym since I saw that + HPT.

I’m finally feeling pretty good so I went to the gym today for the first time in five months. I didn’t do much, but mentally it felt great. You definitely need to take some precautions and make some modifications in your exercise routine to accommodate your growing midsection and new baby when you’re pregnant.

Start slowly. If you had an established exercise routine prior to becoming pregnant, you can continue with your same routine, making minor adjustments as the pregnancy progresses. If you are starting a routine to stay fit during pregnancy, you should start very slowly and be careful not to overexert yourself. I started with 30 minutes of walking. It wasn’t exactly fast, but it wasn’t slow either.

Listen to your body. Never exercise to the point of exhaustion. If you become short of breath, your body is telling you that you lack oxygen. If you feel pain or cramping, your body is telling you to slow down and not push so hard.

Hydrate and nourish your body. Exercise burns carbohydrates quickly, so replenish your body frequently. Sweating dehydrates you so make sure to drink a lot of water.

Some other tips are to stretch, take breaks when you need to, don’t get overheated, avoid contact sports, wear supportive shoes and clothing, and of course it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

Did you exercise during your pregnancy? What were your favorite things to do? Any other tips to share?