What to eat, proper obstetrical care, and acceptable child-rearing techniques are all issues that burden the mind of a soon-to-be mom. Alongside preparing for labor itself, many women question what types of exercise at what intensity are okay for them to perform in order to ward off excess weight gain from pregnant. In addition, many women have questions about how much they are allowed to exercise and for how long.

In general, if an exercise feels comfortable enough for a pregnant woman to perform, then it is probably okay to work-out in that manner. However, any exercises involving jumping, lifting heavy weights, or extremely intense exercise that elevates your heart rate to a level over 140 beats per minute should be avoided. Furthermore, exercises that require or encourage a pregnant woman to hold her breath should also be eliminated from her exercise regimen.

Raising a pergnant woman’s heart rate and body temperature too high is a main concern amongst physicians when discussing proper workout techniques for pregnant women. By exercising on an exercise machine, expectant women are able to monitor their heart rate through sensors in the machine’s handles. Furthermore, using exercise machines allows women to monitor how long they have been exercising, and, usually, how many calories they have burned in doing so.

While many women think that using exercise equipment is too risky while pregnant, there are many machines that will help women to remain physically fit throughout the course of a pregnancy without causing harm to her unborn child. One popular exercise machine that is fine to use during pregnancy is a treadmill. Although it is best to speak with your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen, many obstetricians believe that it is okay to workout as you were before you became pregnant (i.e. if you were an avid runner it is fine to continue doing so). However, as you enter your second and third trimesters, weight and balance issues may force you to slow down or shorten your running/walking routine.

Also, exercise bikes and ellipticals are also acceptable for pregnant women to use in effort to maintain their fitness level. As a pregnant woman gets bigger, it may be difficult to lean over an exercise bike. Thus, it is important to listen to your body and acknowledge when it has reached it’s limit.

If you did not previously participate in regular physical activity, now may be a good time to begin–with approval from your doctor, of course. After all, nine months after a woman conceives she will be actively involved in the longest marathon of her life–labor. Therefore, it is essential for pregnant women to remain physical fit and continue to build up their stamina in the preparation for life’s most difficult task of delivery a child into the world.