Name three guidelines a pregnant woman should follow when planning an exercise prescription

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary but could include three of the following:
• Exercise at least 15 minutes per session for a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Do not increase the amount of exercise typically performed before the pregnancy.
• Do not participate in sports that have a high risk of injury (e.g., contact sports).
• Do not use exercises that require lying on the back after the first trimester.
• During the last 3 months of pregnancy, avoid exercises that use quick jerking movements.
• Wear good supportive footwear and adequate breast support.
• Avoid exercise in the heat, and wear clothing that will allow your body to dissipate heat.
• Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.
• Monitor exercise intensity using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE). An RPE value of 12 to 14 is recommended.
• Stop exercising immediately and call a health-care provider if experiencing any of the following: shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness, tingling, abdominal pain, or vaginal bleeding.
• Light- to moderate-intensity resistance training can be performed. Avoid isometric exercise, the Valsalvar maneuver, and exercises that require lying on the back.
• Increase caloric intake ~300 kcal per day to meet the increased needs due to exercise and pregnancy.