Pregnancy Guide – Week 15
This is a good time to consider switching from regular exercise to pregnancy or pre-natal specific exercise programs. Although it is perfectly okay to continue in most activities (sorry but any contact sports need to be postponed till next season) that you participated in pre-pregnancy, you will need to modify them. Any thing that will require sliding on your belly – baseball/softball, volleyball – will need to be refrained from. You also want to limit the amount of ab work you do. If you choose to do yoga for your regular exercise, you want to either sign up for a prenatal class or be sure that your instructor is aware of your condition and has the proper knowledge of pre-natal positions to continue instructing you, as you do not want to be staying in poses that bring your legs above your heart for long periods of time, among other items to be monitored. Yoga is actually a wonderful exercise program for pregnant women, as it focuses on stretching which is key to making your pregnancy and labor and delivery easier. Another great form of exercise during pregnancy is water aerobics. If you chose this route be sure to either join a prenatal specific class or inform the instructor that you are pregnant. They will be able to make sure you use the proper floatation devices (booties instead of a belt once you get past your 6th month). If you did not normally exercise prior to your pregnancy, you can start now, but discuss it with your OB/GYN. And you are not exercising for weight loss but for health so start small. Another option would be walking, which can provide great cardio vascular exercise. If you choose walking, you will want to have a very good pair of shoes. You will also want to be very conscious of your ability to maintain your balance as your pregnancy progresses. If need be, invest in some walking poles to help you keep proper posture in addition to maintaining good balance. As your pregnancy progresses make sure that your spouse knows what route you are walking or joins you. This way if your water breaks or contractions start during your walk you won’t be stranded. You also want to be very sure that you are doing your kegal exercises. Strong Kegel Muscles will benefit you during your pregnancy, during a vaginal labor and delivery, and after the birth. For specific details on Kegal Exercise please Read The What, Why, When and How’s of Kegel Exercises 
Word of the Week
Kegal exercise – noun an exercise performed by women to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, in order to control incontinence, improve sexual response, and diminish some discomfort in pregnancy. (www.dictionary.com)
