St. David's HealthCare

St. David's HealthCare is one of the largest health systems in Texas and Austin's third-
largest private employer, with more than 60 sites throughout Central Texas, including
seven hospitals, four urgent care centers, four ambulatory surgery centers, and two
freestanding emergency departments, with a third set to open in Bastrop this summer.

St. David's HealthCare has a long history of serving the residents of Central Texas
with exceptional medical care. Our 7,500 employees touch over 858,000 lives each
year with a spirit of warmth, friendliness and personal pride.

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What you need to know about exercise and pregnancy.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Regular exercise is beneficial to your body. It is an excellent way to improve your health during pregnancy. Before implementing an exercise program, always talk to your health care provider. If you’ve been exercising, you will probably be able to maintain your program with some adaptation as you grow.

GUIDELINES:
  • Always consult with your health care provider about their specific recommendations and limitations on exercise parameters.
  • If already exercising regularly, there is no established absolute heart rate maximum, breathing should be minimally labored.
  • Keep your heart rate under 150 beats per minute if not already regularly exercising.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise in extremely, hot, humid weather or during illness with fever.
  • Drink plenty of water and dress appropriately. Remember to take plenty of breaks.
  • Exercising 30 minutes a day is ideal. Always begin with a warm-up period and a cool down.
  • Avoid doing any exercises on your back.
  • Avoid any exercise that has risk for abdominal trauma.
BENEFITS:
  • Strengthens your cardiovascular system, which increases your endurance and gives you energy.
  • Allows you to sleep better.
  • Helps prepare you for childbirth.
  • You are less likely to gain excess weight. Your strength and muscle tone will be maintained.
  • Helps reduce constipation, swelling, backaches and bloating. Improves your posture.
  • May help to prevent or treat gestational diabetes.
  • Helps to improve your mood and self-image.
TOP RECOMMENDED EXERCISES:
  • Kegel exercises
  • Swimming
  • Walking
  • Running and jogging
  • Stationary bicycling
  • Stair Climbing Machines
  • Yoga
  • Aerobics and Dance
AVOID THESE EXERCISES:
  • Skiing
  • Water Skiing
  • Horseback Riding
  • Abdominal exercises
WARNING SIGNS:
Stop exercising and call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Uterine contractions
  • Feeling faint or dizziness
  • Increased shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Calf swelling or pain
  • Chest pain
For more information talk to your physician and also visit:
www.americanpregnancy.org
www.acog.org

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