The Skinny on Exercise

A huge concern (no pun intended) for pregnant women is that of weight gain. How much is appropriate? Is it possible to stay skinny while I’m pregnant? These are important questions that have important answers.

As discussed in the previous post, weight gain is absolutely essential during pregnancy. Even women who are clinically obese need to gain at least some weight. Here is a chart that you can use for a reference, but it is still a good idea to talk to your doctor and find out how much weight is healthy specifically for you.

BMI	Recommended Weight Gain
30+	11-20 lbs
25 – 29.9	15-25 lbs
18.6-24.9	25-35 lbs
18.5 and lower	28-40 lbs

So how can you “stay skinny?” If you have heard that exercise is bad for your fetus, forget it. There are many ways to exercise while you are pregnant. In fact, exercise is beneficial to you, which means it is beneficial to your baby.

If you were very active before you were pregnant, you can almost always continue your same routine when you are pregnant. For example, if you were an avid runner, good news-you can continue running! But before you start any exercise routine, check with your doctor. Here is a list (I seriously love lists) of some exercises to try:

• dancing,
• swimming,
• water aerobics,
• yoga,
• Pilates,
• biking
• walking

Swimming is especially appealing; as it gives you welcome buoyancy (floatability or the feeling of weightlessness). Try for a combination of cardio (aerobic), strength, and flexibility exercises, and avoid bouncing. If you want to try yoga or Pilates, make sure that your instructor is certified, and tell her that you are pregnant. She will be able to help you

modify some moves that may otherwise not be good for your fetus.