Featured Question of the Month

Q:  What kinds of physical activities are safe during pregnancy?

A:  Generally, women who were physically active before becoming pregnant can maintain pretty much the same level of activity that they were accustomed to, and that may include aerobic activity, weights and sporting activities. It’s recommended that women not take up new activities other than walking or light aerobics. Not into fitness? Then just maintain activity such as walking.

Avoid sports with a higher level of risk of contact or falls. Horseback riding and any kind of contact sports like soccer and basketball should be avoided after 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. 

With fitness, you obviously have to keep in mind that various medical or pregnancy complications may cause your physician or midwife to alter their recommendations, whether it be bleeding or blood pressure problems. In cases where there is clinically significant bleeding in the first or second trimester, health care providers would probably advise that the woman cut back a little on physical activities.

But generally, aerobic activity, including running, is safe and fine, and moms who remain fit and active throughout their pregnancy may have more reasonably sized babies, and this may help promote a healthier delivery. Maintaining an active physical lifestyle may shorten your labor and help prevent macrosomia, which refers to babies that weigh more than 8 pounds.