| According to a study conducted by doctors, | | | | body temperature during exercising. Research has |
| pregnant women who were fit had little | | | | found that higher body temperatures in the |
| complications during pregnancy. This study was | | | | mother can cause defective neurological |
| conducted by Dr James Clapp, M.D. and he is a | | | | development. This effect is more prominent |
| professor of reproductive biology at Case | | | | during the first trimester. One should avoid |
| Western University in Cleveland, Ohio. As per his | | | | exercising in hot and humid weather. Exercise |
| studies, exercises are essential during pregnancy. | | | | levels should be decreased as the pregnancy |
| However, pregnant women should follow certain | | | | proceeds. During the late stages of pregnancy, |
| guidelines and precautions while exercising. Some | | | | simple exercises like stretching and strengthening |
| of these are listed below: | | | | are more preferable. Pregnant mothers should |
| Correct Posture: Maintaining correct posture is | | | | never use hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas or spas |
| highly important while doing exercises during | | | | during pregnancy. |
| pregnancy. Correct posture includes tilted pelvis | | | | Water levels: Hydration is an important part of |
| and straightened back. One should avoid positions | | | | exercising. One should have plenty of water |
| like lying on the back, bending down, bent arc, | | | | before, during and after exercise so as to keep |
| candlestick, bicycling-in-air and excessive stretching | | | | the body hydrated. Hydration also helps in |
| around the abdominal region. One should never do | | | | regulating body temperature. |
| sit-ups past 45degrees at the time of pregnancy. | | | | Breathing: Continuous breathing is very essential |
| Also to be avoided are activities like ballistic or | | | | during pregnancy. One should avoid exercises that |
| jerking movements and jumping. | | | | require holding breath. This can be dangerous to |
| Clothing: Pregnant mothers should wear lightweight | | | | the baby. |
| clothes that do not restrict movement. Clothing | | | | One should stop exercising immediately whenever |
| should be flexible, comfortable and breathable. | | | | exhausted or when one experiences even a mild |
| Shoes are a must to support feet and legs. | | | | abdominal trauma. Relaxation is also critical during |
| Temperature: One should always take a note of | | | | pregnancy. |