Exercise Safety Checklist
Any exercise program should be approved by your primary care physician. In general, exercise is beneficial during pregnancy, but there may be reasons that you need to abstain from a workout regimen. See your doctor or midwife before you begin.
- Check with your doctor and get approval for a workout regimen
- Drink lots of water before, during and after working out
- Wear breathable and loose fitting clothing
- Make sure you have supportive footwear
- Warm up before exercising
- After the first trimester, avoid exercises that place you flat on your back
- Avoid over doing your work out
- Stop immediately if you experience any discomfort or pain
- Move cautiously; get up from the floor slowly
- Do not do deep knee bends, lunges, or full sit-ups
Sources:
“Exercise During Pregnancy,” The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 1998.
“Exercise,” The University of Michigan Health System. smartmoms.org. 2002.
“Pregnancy and Exercise: What You Can Do for a Healthy Pregnancy,” The American Academy of Family Physicians. familydoctor.org. 2002.
“Exercising During Pregnancy,” The Nemours Foundation. kidshealth.org. 2002
Last updated: 12/2006