(Note from Stephanie Lueras, Founder/CEO of Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness: This is a guest article, not authored by me. Facts and claims are the responsibility of the author, Dr. Alan Lindeman, but I’m definitely not undermining the importance of this valuable information. Not to be taken as individual medical or fitness advice, seek assistance from a medical provider or certified fitness professional for further care.)
“Rural Doc” Alan Lindemann, M.D., the award-winning obstetrician, maternal health expert, and author of “Pregnancy Your Way: Choose a Safe and Happy Birth,” Shares: Exercising While Pregnant — What’s Safe, and What Isn’t?
A) Continuing Pre-Pregnancy Exercise Regimes: “As a rule, yes, you can continue your pre-pregnancy regime, and no, this isn’t the time to try a new regime. As long as your exercise program remains the same as it was before pregnancy, exercise will be safe. Use common sense, however, if your program included more strenuous exercise such as gymnastics, etc.”
B) Bike Riding: “I would recommend a stationary or recumbent bike indoors rather than riding outdoors while pregnant due to the accident risk. The motion of pedaling will not hurt your baby unless you are having triplets or quads. The real issue is blood supply to your legs while pedaling. Therefore limit the duration to 15-20 minutes, and keep your pulse under 135.”
C) Walking: “Outside is a safe place for you to walk, but I would suggest you practice social distancing due to seasonal viruses. I would not recommend wearing a mask if you plan on walking during pregnancy as it will probably interfere with your exercise. You can slow down if this is bothersome.”
D) Effect of Exercise on Your Baby: “Some fear exercising during pregnancy will cause the baby to be smaller — this is not true unless you have started a new exercise program and are not eating a well-balanced diet, or you are not gaining enough weight.”
E) Stopping Exercise: “Your baby won’t be hurt by stopping your pre-pregnancy exercise program altogether. If you don’t feel like continuing your previous routine, you could try cutting back but still exercise a little, if this feels more doable.”
About Dr. Lindemann:
An obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, “Rural Doc” Alan Lindemann, M.D., teaches women and their families how to create the outcomes they want for their own personal health and pregnancy. A former Clinical Associate Professor at the University of North Dakota, he served as a clinical faculty member and preceptor with medical students in rural rotations. In his nearly 40 years of practice, he has delivered around 6,000 babies and achieved a maternal mortality rate of zero! Learn more at PregnancyYourWay.com.
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