That said, some healthcare providers are still living with generations-old ideas
about exercising during pregnancy. If you’ve educated yourself on the topic
and feel as though your pregnancy would not be comprised by working out,
give a copy of Fit Pregnancy For Dummies to your physician, and then meet
with her to discuss the possibility. Reassure your physician that you’re willing
to heed any and all warning symptoms, but if the pregnancy is otherwise pro-
ceeding well, you’d like a chance to try to exercise during your pregnancy.Great Activities to Consider
During Pregnancy
Many of the activities listed throughout this book are safe to do during your
pregnancy, including those in the following sections.Walk this way
Some women walk for exercise until the day of delivery. Runners may want to
switch to a walk-run program or an all-walk routine if they find that running is
just too hard on their lower back and knees. As your pregnancy progresses,
avoid steep hills, which make your heart rate soar and may put more pressure
on your lower back.Pay special attention to your walking posture. Stand tall, with a natural S-
curve to your back, and your shoulders back and down, not hunched. Lead
with your chest. Keep your arms relaxed, and move them forward and back
instead of swinging them across your body. Don’t walk in very hot or humid
weather, because your heart rate elevates more rapidly and your body over-
heats more quickly. And don’t walk when the ground is icy, because your
sense of balance is not what it used to be. If the weather sends you indoors
and onto a treadmill, hold on to the rails (but not with a death-grip).
Treadmills require more balance than walking on the ground.Make sure that you wear supportive walking shoes. Because you weigh more
than usual, your joints are under extra stress, and they need all the shock
absorption they can get. Your feet may swell to the point where you need
shoes a half-size bigger than usual.Getting into the swim of things
Some pregnant women find walking uncomfortable, particularly in the third
trimester, so they switch to lower-impact activities such as swimming. In fact,332 Part VII: Exercising for All Ages and Stages