Exercising While Pregnant Yay or Nay? Short Answer: Yay!

Exercising While Pregnant- Yay or Nay? Short Answer: Yay!

Exercising while pregnant- is it safe?! This is one of the most common questions I get asked.  Unfortunately, it is not a black and white answer- there are a few things to consider whether you take a brisk walk or run 30+ miles a week.  

From a pelvic floor point of view, the most important thing is to monitor for symptoms, not which week of pregnancy you are in.  If you can, try to modify what you are doing to ease the symptoms. If they don’t improve to resolution…then seek out someone who can help you modify :) Generally speaking most of my patients tend to no longer feel awesome with intense exercise around halfway (give or take a few weeks) and that point we modify- no big deal! 

If you are one of the lucky few who are symptom free (no pain, heaviness, nor leaks), had no problems with a return to running between pregnancies, carry small and super balanced, then you may be adapting well and you can keep running for longer (again no “week” guideline here).  Rock on Mamacita!

For the rest of us mortals, let’s look at function and seeing how your body adapts through pregnancy, to keep you going for as long as possible!

Remember changes doesn’t mean to STOP exercising, it means to modify exercises- swimming is almost always safe, elliptical, stationary bike . . . you like weights? Great!  Think more one dimensional and seated, not on your back . . .

And of course, please ask me or your doctor, but always remember: if doesn’t feel good, it probably isn’t good.  Trust your gut, no one knows your body better than you.