FitSugar

Is Running While Pregnant Safe?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:52 -0700

It's not every day that you see a pregnant woman going for a run, like Miss Kourtney Kardashian here. On her hour-long jog, I'm sure she got some stares and whispers. Not just because she's famous, but because she's got a big bun in the oven. They're probably wondering, is this safe for her baby, and safe for mom?

Regular exercise is encouraged by doctors for those expecting, because it can help a woman stay healthy, and alleviate some of the discomforts like stiffness, back pain, leg cramping, or constipation. Working out can also prevent unnecessary weight gain, relieve stress, and get a woman ready to endure the physical challenges of labor.

With that said, there are some guidelines a pregnant woman should follow when working out.

Don't make any big changes to your exercise program once you become pregnant. If you were running regularly before you conceived, then it's safe to keep it up, as long as it feels good and you don't overdo it. If you want to start a new type of exercise, talk to your doc first.
Be OK with modifying your routine, especially as your pregnancy progresses. If you used to run four miles a day, you may find that you'll need to cut down in the beginning of your pregnancy. And once you're in the end of your second trimester, or third, walking may be best.
Don't do any types of exercise that put you or the baby at risk, like extreme sports that require balance, speed, or could result in you falling. Your doctor will probably recommend you save the surfing, skiing, horseback riding, biking outdoors, and rock climbing for after delivery.

For the rest keep reading

DVD Review: Erin O'Brien's Prenatal Fitness Fix

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

It feels like baby fever over here on the Sugar Network. Many of our favorite celebrities along with our very own BabySugar are expecting so I've decided to dive into the world of keeping healthy while pregnant in my Fit Momma series.

Having already experienced the joys of pregnancy myself, it's been a few years, so I recruited a pregnant pal to try Prenatal Fitness Fix with Erin O'Brien. My friend was a frequent gym goer, but recently she can't stomach the smell of my gym - if you're pregnant, you understand - so she happily joined me. We were both thinking it was going to be a walk in the park since it was after all, a prenatal fitness DVD. To find out if we were right, just read more.

The instructor, Erin O'Brien, is calm, cool, and collected. She's motivating, but not too peppy and it was the mix of both that kept us going through the entire 40 minutes. (Side note: Did you know she is James Denton's wife?) The music was a little slower than I normally workout to, but it was not unpleasant.

Much to our surprise, it's actually pretty strenuous. There is no heavy cardio or weights, but there is a lot of body weight resistance work that left my quads pretty darn sore. I love that Erin takes pauses for water and potty breaks - essentials for any pregnant woman. She also uses household items (couches, coffee tables, chairs) for the exercises, so there's no extra equipment needed. Overall I would highly recommend this DVD for anyone who's expecting and had a pretty good level of fitness before her pregnancy. If you haven't exercised in years, then you may want to consider something a little more beginner at first.

Fit's Tip: Pregnancy does amazing (and crazy) things to your body, and keeping it healthy is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. DVDs are a great option to keep moving at home, but you should check with your OB/GYN before starting any exercise program while pregnant.

Exercise Beneficial for Mom, and Baby

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:00:00 -0700

We always put all this stress on how exercising while pregnant is really great for the mom, and makes it easier for her to get back to her pre-baby weight. However new research sort of brings us back down to earth on the most important benefit of exercising while pregnant: it's generally good for the baby too. Here are details from Dr. Linda E. May of Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences:

"When the mom exercises during pregnancy, the unborn baby gets the same type of training effect that you would see in an adult - so you see the lower heart rate and also improved heart rate variability, which is evidence of improvements in the nervous system of the heart. Maternal exercise may be the earliest intervention to improve the heart of children and possibly the best," May concluded.

So if you're expecting like Jessica Alba or plan to be in the future, don't just exercise for yourself, do it for your baby.

Bauer Griffin Online

Ali Landry Doesn't Deprive Herself of Those Doritos

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 07:30:00 -0800

Ali Landry, who will always be the Doritos girl in my eyes, had a baby girl about six months ago and she is looking fantastic these days. She credits getting back into prebaby shape to having a very healthy pregnancy as well as working out through the whole thing. She told OK! that she thought she'd be back on the treadmill in no time, but things did not quite go according to plan.

To find out how she did it, just read more
Here's more:

"I thought once I had the baby I would run again. Two weeks after she was born, I got on the treadmill and I didn't think about the nursing and the pain," she says. "It hurt! I had to find something else. I went back to my trusty videos and started doing them - very low-impact."

Now working out two days a week, down from five, the 34-year-old former Doritos girl is also following a diet, but don't think she deprives herself of any treats. "I love to eat. I'm from the South so I don't really like to deprive myself of food. I will never turn down home-cooked Cajun food."

Source

Courtney Thorne-Smith's Fit Pregnancy

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:30:00 -0800

From her super-skinny Ally McBeal days to now, where she has learned to accept and love her body even with the extra pregnancy weight, Courtney Thorne-Smith has come full circle and she looks fabulous. Fit Pregnancy magazine sat down with Courtney and got the scoop on her pregnancy workout and more.

Here are highlights:

FP: Have you been working out?
CTS: Well, I used to be a compulsive exerciser, but I’m over that. For the past several years, I’ve been walking 40 minutes and doing Pilates and yoga stretches at home, so that’s what I’m doing now. I used to run 8 miles a day, then go to the gym, do weights and then yoga, until I realized that I was so hungry and tired all the time. I feel so much freedom now: I don’t have to stay in a hotel with a gym and I’m never so hungry that I panic.

FP: I know you struggled with body image for years; how are you feeling about your body now?
CTS: I feel great: I wanted this so badly. One day I was with one of my friends, and I was rubbing my belly, and she asked me, "How does it feel?" I told her, "It feels really good." And she said, "Great, I hope that you keep rubbing your belly with love even after the baby is born." And that was so powerful because my belly has always been the spot I obsess over. I have come to appreciate my body so much - and I think that's why I was able to get pregnant. Now, the baby is kicking and it's all working. It's a miracle what the body can do.

Bridget Moynahan Gets Fit While Pregnant

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Bridget Moynahan is staying very active even in her final days of pregnancy -- She is due to give birth this Friday to a baby boy and ex-boyfriend Tom Brady is the father. Hopefully Bridget is not pushing it too hard and you can pretty much bet that she is going to join the club of celeb moms who slim down quick after giving birth.

In case you're like Bridget and have a bun in the oven, use these tips for exercising safely while pregnant:

Pregnant women can participate in low-impact aerobic activity three times per week, or even as often as every other day, but be sure to get clearance from your physician first.
Walking is a great way to get in some low impact exercise that most pregnant women can engage in.

For more tips and to see more pics of Bridget working out while very pregnant just read more

Swimming is another great, low impact option for expecting moms. A lot of gyms offer water classes specifically for pregnant women, so be sure to check with your gym for availability.
Watch the heat. Temperatures greater than 102.6 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius) could cause problems with the developing fetus - especially in the first trimester. So if it's hot out, hit the air conditioned gym instead.
Don't push it; if you're feeling exhausted, don't try to exercise. Plain and simple.
Move it at home. There are lots and lots of workout DVDs for pregnant women such as Patrea's Prenatal Fitness for the Entire Body ($14.99).
When strength training, go for lower resistance with higher reps. Pregnancy is not the time to test your strength, you'll have plenty of time to do that when you're getting fit after giving birth. Also, it is a good idea to avoid weight training (and sit-ups as well) after the first trimester.
Think about hiring a personal trainer who specializes in working with pregnant women. She would be able to create a program specifically to meet your needs.

View 7 Photos ›

Good luck Bridget! Can't wait to see the beautiful baby boy!

Flynet

Exercise During Pregnancy

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:34:51 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Exercise During Pregnancy

There are many benefits to being active during pregnancy. You may not feel great every day of your pregnancy, but exercise should make you feel better overall and may help prepare you for labor and childbirth.

There are some conditions or symptoms that may make exercising during pregnancy inadvisable. Recommendations NOT to exercise during pregnancy may be made in cases of:

Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Preterm premature rupture of membranes
Preterm labor
Vaginal bleeding
Other ongoing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, and thyroid abnormalities

If you continue to exercise or start an exercise program while pregnant, it is important to discuss it with your health care provider who can advise you about what type of exercise routine is best.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), exercise may:

Reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling
Increase energy level
Help with adjustment of posture
Assist with muscle tone, strength, and endurance
Improve sleep pattern
Improve your ability to cope with the pain of labor

Choosing A Safe Exercise Program

It may be easier to exercise earlier in your pregnancy than during the last three months (third trimester) of pregnancy. Choosing safe exercises for you and your baby is important because some positions, as your weight and balance change, may become uncomfortable or have potentially harmful effects. After 20 weeks of pregnancy, you should not do exercises that require lying flat on your back, because this position may make blood circulation more difficult.

For a total body workout that is low stress on joints and muscles, you may consider walking, swimming, or riding a stationary bike. It is wise to start slowly and gradually increase the length of time you exercise. Always warm-up and cool down afterwards. With the extra weight from pregnancy, your body has to work harder than it did before. Exercise increases the flow of oxygen and blood to the muscles and diverts it away from other parts of the body. This makes it important to not overdo the workout, or do any exercise that is too strenuous.

The intensity, duration, and frequency of the workout should not cause pain, shortness of breath, or excessive tiredness. Remember, the goal of exercise is for you to gain general benefits during the pregnancy, but not to do anything that would have detrimental effects on you or your baby.

Hydration During Exercise

Hydration is always important with exercise but it is even MORE important when you are pregnant. You should drink up to 1 pint of liquid before exercising and 1 cup of liquid every 20 minutes during exercise to maintain enough hydration for you and your baby. Even if you don't feel thirsty after exercising, it is important to refresh the fluids that you lost during the exercise. You can lose up to 1-2 quarts of fluid per hour in perspiration.

General Recommendations

The following recommendations are based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Family Physicians:

Avoid doing exercises that require being on your back, after 20 weeks
Wear comfortable clothing that is supportive but not constricting and will help keep you cool
Consume an extra 300 calories a day that you need while pregnant
Avoid getting overheated when exercising, especially in hot, humid weather
Drink plenty of water to keep well hydrated

Recommended exercises include:

Walking
Stationary bike
Low-impact aerobics
Swimming

Sports to avoid because they are high risk for fall or trauma include:

Gymnastics
Horseback riding
Skating
Skiing (water/snow)
Hang gliding
Vigorous racquet sports
Weight lifting
Scuba diving

Stop exercising and call your doctor if you have pain, vaginal bleeding, rapid heartbeat, uterine contractions, chest pain, fluid leaking from the vagina, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or difficulty walking.

If you are an accomplished athlete, you may continue your workout routine. However, exercises that require using a lot of oxygen should be avoided to ensure enough oxygen is reaching the fetus. Active women should avoid contact sports during all stages of their pregnancy.

If you are not an experienced athlete or exerciser, pregnancy is not a time to begin a rigorous routine. Exercises that maintain muscle tone, such as walking and swimming, are good choices throughout pregnancy. For activities that require balance, such as water and snow skiing, it's best to be cautious throughout pregnancy, especially toward the end of the first trimester when the uterus "expands" out of the pelvis and begins to alter your center of gravity. With an altered center of gravity, you can be at an increased risk for accidents that could have a negative effect on yourself and your pregnancy. All activities that involve profound changes in pressure or profound physical stress, such as scuba diving and triathlons, should be avoided at ALL times during pregnancy.

If you are exercising during pregnancy and fall, especially if you land on your belly, seek medical attention. Trauma to your uterus can cause the placenta to tear away from the wall of your uterus. This condition, called an abruption, can be life-threatening to both you and your fetus.

Review Date:
2/19/2007
Reviewed By:
Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Pregnancy Center Links

Post Pregnancy Baby Weight: Reality Check

FitSugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I have been posting about celeb moms and their slim down secrets. It is interesting to get a glimpse into the celebrity world, especially if you have dealt with working off the pounds that accompanied your nine month journey to motherhood. I do, however, want to provide a little reality check: these women have resources that regular, normal, non-celeb moms do not. I am talking about nannies, personal chefs, personal trainers as well as a lot of external pressure to "tighten up."

It is not a good idea to go on a severely calorie restricted diet, especially if the new mom is breastfeeding. Cutting back on calories means the loss of significant nutrients for the mother and the baby. For some women, breastfeeding actually can help take off some baby weight. A lactating mom needs at least 1800 – 2000 calories a day. Plus cutting back on food can make a new, sleep deprived mom cranky, and cranky is not what you want to be when facing the unique challenges of tending to a newborn.

Exercise, on the other hand is highly recommended. Not only will it help new moms lose weight, it can help ward off postpartum depression. It is key to remember that exercise should make you feel better not worse, and it always a good idea to check with your OB before beginning a postpartum exercise program, especially if you had a difficult pregnancy, delivery, or a C-section. I highly recommend walking, as a way to begin exercising it is enjoyable for both you and the baby. Get out and go for a stroll.

Fit’s tip: After taking time off from vigorous exercise for nine months, it will take you some time to get back to your pre-pregnancy level of fitness. Start with the level of exercise you did in your third trimester and work you way back, adding elements from your second trimester, and so on. Good Luck!

Weight Loss for Pregnancy: Use Diet & Exercise

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 04:00:00 -0700

A lot of news I read about comes as no surprise to me, and sometimes sounds like a broken record, but a little reinforcement is never a bad thing.

Evidence suggests that a combination of dieting and exercise is a more effective way of losing weight after pregnancy than just dieting alone. Returning to body weight gradually after giving birth seems to be important, because women who regain their pre-pregnancy weight within six months have a lower risk of being overweight ten years later.

Also, exercise helps improve heart health, which is always a good thing since you're going to have a toddler to run around after in a few short years. If you're not comfortable leaving baby with a sitter while you exercise, grab the stroller and go.

Source

How Octomom Slimmed Down to 125 Pounds

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:00:37 -0700

Whatever your opinion of Nadya Suleman's decision to carry eight babies at once, most can agree that her quick slim-down is rather astonishing. When her octuplets were born nine months ago, Nadya weighed 270 pounds. In the latest issue of Us Weekly, she admitted she packed on the pounds by "eating everything in sight." Now this five-foot-seven single mom of 14 has lost 145 pounds and 39 inches off her waist and weighs 125 pounds.

How did she do it? To find out, read more.

With her previous pregnancies, the Octomom admitted she had no problems getting back to her pre-pregnancy size 1 or 2, thanks to her skinny genes. This last time around, simply delivering the eight babies in January helped Nadya lose 40 pounds instantly. Losing the rest of the weight, however, wasn't a walk in the park. This mama joined the local gym and sweats it out three times a week at midnight! Yep, after her children go to sleep, a nanny stays with them while she exercises late-night for 90 minutes. Since Nadya gets her cardio from chasing after the kids, her gym workouts are devoted to strength training. She does top-secret crunches (which she hopes to reveal in her own fitness video), tricep kickbacks, bicep curls, shoulder presses, and lunges. Her dumbbell of choice? A set of 12-pound weights. I don't know how she does it, but Nadya claims she gets by on only three hours of sleep a night. She can't possibly keep that up for too long.

A healthy diet also helped Suleman lose her baby weight. Her day is filled with five protein-based meals or snacks, including turkey, sushi, eggs, and lowfat cheese. She also includes whole grains such as oatmeal, and veggies by eating salads and stews. Her favorite snacks include Pinkberry frozen yogurt and cottage cheese with fruit.

Although Nadya needed help to get pregnant and deliver her babies, she boasts that she's slimmed down with diet and exercise alone, and didn't need any surgical help.