I'm Pregnant: Do I Need To Stop Exercising? When?

Q—CHARLOTTE’S BOOK READER

How far into my pregnancy can I exercise?

A—AMY ROSOFF DAVIS, CELEBRITY TRAINER

As long as you have no prenatal complications and have the okay from your doctor, you can exercise right up until you pop! Of course you will want to slow down in that third trimester, but activity is good for the baby and even better for your body as it prepares for labor. From prenatal yoga to prenatal pilates, to hikes, to walking, or even just stretching, keep that aching body moving. Be mindful of how stretchy your muscles are—your body is filled with relaxin (a hormone produced during pregnancy that relaxes the ligaments in the pelvis and softens and widens the cervix) and if you overstretch, you could pull something. It's important to rest and relax, but it also feels great to move as a way to ease those aches and pains. This isn't a time to start trying to shed that pregnancy weight, but it is a time to mentally and physically prepare for the difficult task ahead: delivery.

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We also asked if it's ok to lift weights while pregnant. Plus: when's the best time for a breast lift? Pre- or post-pregnancy?

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