| Exercising during pregnancy | | | | •Exercises that involve standing in the same place |
| Pregnancy can be a challenging phase for your | | | | for long periods can also decrease blood flow to the |
| spouse. Maintaining a healthy posture will help her keep | | | | baby. It is better to keep moving or changing positions |
| back problems away. An exercise routine will | | | | frequently. |
| especially help her to keep fit. Your spouse can begin | | | | •She should avoid strenuous forms of exercise, |
| an exercise routine even if she has never really | | | | such as riding a bike. |
| exercised before. Walking, swimming, pre-natal yoga, | | | | •She should wear loose comfortable clothing and |
| and simple aerobics are ideal forms of exercise during | | | | avoid overheating. |
| pregnancy. | | | | •She must drink adequate amounts of water to |
| These are some of the things your spouse may need | | | | avoid dehydration. |
| to remember if she is starting an exercise routine: | | | | •She should eat healthy foods to make up for |
| •All exercise programs should be begun gradually. | | | | calories lost during exercise. |
| Starting with about 15 minutes, three to four days a | | | | •If, after exercise, she notices symptoms such as |
| week is sufficient. | | | | fatigue, pain, nausea, vaginal bleeding or discharge, or |
| • She should resist the temptation to overdo it. | | | | pelvic contractions, she should contact her doctor |
| •She should avoid jogging, unless she used to jog | | | | immediately. |
| regularly before her pregnancy. | | | | Disclaimer: The above information is commonsense |
| •She should avoid doing sit-ups and other exercises, | | | | reflection drawn from general experience. If you are |
| which involve lying on the back as they may decrease | | | | looking for expert medical advice, please consult your |
| blood flow to the uterus. | | | | doctor. |