1. Regular exercise, at
least three times per week, is preferable to intermittent
exercise.
2. Exercise in the supine position
(lying on your back) should be avoided after the first
trimester, since this position is associated with decreased
cardiac output in pregnancy.
3. A pregnant woman should stop
exercising when fatigued, and should not exercise to
exhaustion, keeping in mind that oxygen availability for
exercise decreases during pregnancy.
4. Some weight-bearing exercises
may be continued throughout pregnancy at intensities similar
to those maintained prior to pregnancy. Non weight-bearing
exercise, such as swimming or cycling, pose less risk of
injury.
5. Women who exercise during
pregnancy should be particularly careful to ensure an
adequate diet.
6. In the first trimester, pregnant
women should pay particular attention to avoid becoming too
hot during exercise by wearing appropriate clothing and
drinking adequate fluids.
7. If any of the following
conditions occur during pregnancy, exercise may need to be
restricted: pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-term rupture
of membranes, pre-term labor during prior or current
pregnancy, incompetent cervix, cerclage, bleeding in
pregnancy, intrauterine growth restriction.