Pregnancy: Can I exercise during pregnancy?
September 18, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Christine Widmann
Dear team of the online consultation,
My name is Hanna Strauss and I am in the 14th week of pregnancy. I have been regularly exercising, especially jogging and yoga, and it has always brought me a lot of joy. However, now I am concerned about whether it is safe to continue exercising during pregnancy.
I have heard that moderate physical activity during pregnancy can be beneficial for the health of both mother and child, but it can also pose risks. I do not want to harm my unborn child in any way, but at the same time, I want to stay fit and healthy.
Could you please provide me with information on what type of exercise is safe during pregnancy and what I should avoid? Are there specific exercises that are good for pregnant women? Are there signs I should look out for to know when to stop exercising?
I would like to know if I can continue jogging or doing yoga, or if I should switch to other activities. I would greatly appreciate your assessment and advice to ensure that both myself and my baby stay healthy during pregnancy.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Kind regards,
Hanna Strauss
Dear Hanna Strauss,
Thank you for your message and trust in my expertise as a gynecologist. I am glad that you are thinking about your physical activity during pregnancy, as it is indeed important to take care of both your health and that of your unborn child.
Generally, moderate physical activity during pregnancy is usually safe and even beneficial for the health of both mother and child. However, there are certain sports and exercises that you should avoid to reduce the risk of injuries or complications.
Regarding jogging, there are no major concerns as long as you feel comfortable and do not experience any pain or discomfort. It is important to listen to your body and watch out for signs such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue. If you were already jogging regularly before pregnancy, you can usually continue as long as your doctor has no concerns. However, it is advisable to avoid uneven or slippery surfaces and to reduce the pace.
Yoga is a great way to stay active during pregnancy as it is gentle and strengthens both body and mind. There are specific yoga exercises that are particularly suitable for pregnant women as they are tailored to the body's needs during this phase. Make sure not to do exercises that put too much strain on the abdomen or lead to excessive stretching. It is recommended to attend special prenatal yoga classes or perform exercises under the guidance of an experienced yoga instructor.
There are some signs to watch for to know when to stop exercising during pregnancy. These include severe pain, bleeding, dizziness, extreme fatigue, or shortness of breath. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to stop exercising immediately and consult your doctor.
Overall, it is important to listen to your body and intuition and not overexert yourself. If you are unsure whether a certain sport or exercise is suitable for you, talk to your doctor or a qualified professional.
I hope this information is helpful to you and helps you stay fit and healthy during pregnancy. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes for you and your baby!
Sincerely,
Christine Widmann
