Pregnancy & Baby Index: Trying to Conceive - TTC: Preparing to TTC: Will exercise adversely affect my chances of getting pregnant?

Will exercise adversely affect my chances of getting pregnant?
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Lisa Stone

Will an exercise routine stand in the way of your pregnancy dreams? Lisa Stone, an ACE-certified Pre-and Post-Natal Fitness Instructor, has some information.

Your question
I am concerned about preconception and exercise. I exercise moderately and am trying to conceive. Will the exercise affect my chances of getting pregnant? - TaeJa, Indianapolis IN

The expert answers
According to research done by Dr James Clapp, author of Exercising Through Your Pregnancy, moderate (when you are breathing heavy and can carry on a conversation) to vigorous exercise (when you are breathing heavy, can carry on a breathy conversation but would rather not) should not affect your ability to conceive as long as you're having regular periods -- which means you're ovulating -- and are at a normal weight.

And, exercising now, before you get pregnant, and continuing to exercise throughout your pregnancy, should reduce many of the negative symptoms of pregnancy -- like nausea, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, lower back discomfort or pain, and nasal congestion -- and also make for a shorter labor and quicker recovery. So, keep up the good work, and I'll be thinking pregnancy thoughts for you!PregnancyAndBaby.com


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About the author: Lisa Stone, ACE-certified pre- & post-natal fitness specialist, is the creator of Fit For 2, a pre- & post-natal fitness program. The mother of three, she is also the producer of the Fit For 2 Step Aerobic Workout For Pregnancy video. For information on Fit For 2 classes or the video, call 770.509.8078, or check out her site at FitFor2.com. Copyright © Lisa Stone.

Notice: This forum is for educational purposes only, and addresses only non-urgent questions of a general nature. If you are concerned about your health or your baby's health, please consult your family's health care provider immediately. This information is not a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or treatment. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions can be answered.

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