What are the guidelines for exercising during pregnancy?
• Warming up and cooling down are very important. Start slowly and build up to more demanding exercises. Toward the end of an exercise session, gradually slow down your activity. Try working back through the exercises in reverse order. • Regular exercise (at least three times a week) is better for you than spurts of exercise followed by long periods of no activity. • Check your pulse during peak activity. Slow down your activity if your heart starts beating faster than the target range recommended by your health care provider. Don’t exceed a heart rate of 140 beats per minute. Exercise that is too strenuous may speed up the baby’s heartbeat to a dangerous level. In general, if you are able to carry on a conversation comfortably while exercising, your heart rate is probably within the recommended limits. Check to make sure. • Don’t try to do too much. Remember that the extra weight you are carrying will make you work harder as you exercise. Stop immediately if you feel tired, short of b
