It's true! You can and should exercise throughout your pregnancy. Not only will you have more energy, but you will also be able to prevent and alleviate a lot of common aches and pains that come with being pregnant. After all, what is good for you is good for your baby. Pregnant women do face special considerations, and there are certain exercises that specifically target problem areas.
Many injuries occur at joints, where bones meet and provide motion. Your joints must endure an enormous amount of stress and constant pressure, even from everyday activities, especially with the added weight of pregnancy. Ligaments are more prone to injury as they become more pliable than usual, and your body may stretch further than it should. Just as you wouldn't expect your house to handle wear and tear without strong beams, your body won't handle stress without stronger muscles. Lower back pain, hip pain, shin splints, shoulder injuries, knee pain, tight calves - all can be avoided with warm-up and proper stretching, along with a little strength exercising.
The three areas most commonly plagued with pain are the lower back, hips, and knees. Here's how you can avoid problems with just a little strength training and stretching:
