Is it safe to continue to exercise and work during pregnancy?
The reality is that women have been active throughout pregnancy for centuries; there is no such thing as maternity leave (unfortunately) in most of the world. Exercising also seems to ease some common ailments, such as lower back pain and fatigue. However, there are some basic guidelines that should be followed: Start slowly. Even if you never exercised regularly before, a program can be undertaken safely. If you have been following a regular exercise regime, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to continue on the same level for the first trimester. The important thing is to listen to your body- if it feels like too much, take it down a notch. This is not the time to break your previous land speed record. Particularly if you suffer from morning sickness, be aware of your limits. Monitor your heart rate and breathing. As a general rule, your heart rate should not exceed 140 beats/minute. The fetal heart rate is tied to your own; if your heart is racing, your baby’s is too. A heart ra
