• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

Pregnancy Exercise Myths

January 6, 2011 by ds_25061 Leave a Comment

While exercise provides numerous health benefits, some conditions may require you to change your regular workout routines. Exercising during pregnancy affects both you and your unborn child. Well-meant advice from friends and family about exercising while pregnant may have you wondering what’s factual and what constitutes a myth.

Benefits

The myth that raising your hands above your head can result in the umbilical cord wrapping around your baby’s neck is simply not true. Lifespan, a Rhode Island health system, advises that a wrapped umbilical cord has nothing to do with the activities of the mother. In fact, exercising during pregnancy may help reduce common pregnancy discomforts such as bloating, constipation, backaches and swelling. Regular exercise may also increase your energy, improve your mood, help your posture and help you get a good night’s sleep.

Safety

Although exercise can be beneficial, don’t believe those who try to convince you that all forms of exercise are equally safe while you are expecting. Avoid activities and exercises that increase your risk of falls and injuries, such as downhill skiing, horseback riding and contact sports. Avoid exercises that involve lying on your back, as this position can interfere with blood circulation.

Considerations

The main consideration in determining what types of exercise you do while pregnant depends on your existing level of activity and physical condition. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, if you are used to running or strength training, you may be able to continue these activities in moderation. Your doctor can help you decide what sports are suitable for you during your pregnancy, depending on your health and the health of your pregnancy.

Suitable Exercises

The myth that you should avoid exercise during pregnancy is untrue for most women. However, women with pregnancy complications should not exercise without a doctor’s approval. Suitable exercises for most women with healthy pregnancies include gentle water aerobics, swimming, walking and stationary bicycling.

Precautions

It is a myth that regular exercise triggers premature labor in healthy pregnancies. A complicated series of hormonal signals normally starts the process. However, be aware of certain warning symptoms that can occur during exercise as well as during rest. Stop exercising immediately and contact your doctor if you feel dizzy or faint, notice vaginal bleeding or experience uterine contractions, fluid leaking from your vagina or a decrease in fetal movements.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Parenting

About ds_25061

Piper Li, a professional freelance writer, began writing in 1989. Her articles appear in Modern Mom, Biz Mojo, Walden University and GardenGuides. She is the co-editor for "Kansas Women: Focus on Health." With a bachelor's degree in journalism from Mesa State, Li enjoys writing about health, horticulture and business management.

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search

ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

20 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Kids

After seeing and holding the newest member of our family … [Read More...] about 20 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Had Kids

Must Have

ToniBox

Meet Toniebox – A Loveable Storytime Friend For Your Kids

If you are looking for something to occupy your children … [Read More...] about Meet Toniebox – A Loveable Storytime Friend For Your Kids

Did you know?

How Many Calories Does 10,000 Steps Burn

How Many Calories Does 10,000 Steps Burn?

Coconut Oil

Why Coconut Oil Is So Good For Pregnant & Nursing Mothers

Bake Frozen and Pre-Breaded Chicken

How to Bake Frozen and Pre-Breaded Chicken

tricks to get pen stains out of light clothes

Tricks to Get Pen Stains Out of Light Clothes

Signs of PMS or Pregnancy

what causes baby hiccups

What Causes Baby Hiccups?

what type of vitamins help fertility

What Type of Vitamins Help Fertility?

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2021 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.