Exercise and Eating Guidelines for Expectant Women

1. Get clearance from your physician to exercise during pregnancy.
2. Obtain information from your physician regarding exercise guidelines for the various stages of pregnancy.
3. Don't begin a vigorous exercise program during pregnancy.
4. Avoid exercise in humid or hot conditions.
5. Warm up and cool down for at least 10 minutes.
6. Avoid over stretching.
7. Report unusual physical changes, such as severe fatigue or joint pain, to your doctor.
8. Eat a healthful carbohydrate before exercise, to prevent low blood sugar.
9. Drink lots of water before, during, and after exercise.
10. If an expectant woman is already overweight, she should not diet while pregnant, but rather, eat adequate amounts of protein, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetable in reasonable portions, and limit junk food intake. She should consult her physician or a nutritionist for details. Reading magazines devoted to women's health will further increase her knowledge of proper eating habits.
11. Most women can resume strenuous exercise (return to their pregnancy level ) six weeks postpartum.