Will exercise adversely affect my chances of getting pregnant?
![]() |
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!

