A 38-year-old client in her second trimester states a desire to begin an exercise program to decrease her fatigue. Which of the following would be the most appropriate nursing response?

Question

1. "Fatigue should resolve in the second trimester, but walking daily might help."
2. "Avoid a strenuous exercise regimen at your age. Drink coffee t.i.d."
3. "Avoid an exercise regimen due to your pregnancy. Try to nap daily."
4. "Fatigue will increase as pregnancy progresses, but jogging daily might help."

Answer 1

1
Rationale:
1. Mild-to-moderate exercise during pregnancy is healthy for moms and babies. The increased stamina that correlates with physical fitness can help decrease fatigue in pregnancy, but the second trimester will bring greater fatigue, as fetal metabolism creates demands on the maternal system.
2. The age of 38 is not too old to begin an exercise routine, but during pregnancy, a client should not begin a new type of extremely strenuous or high-impact activity.
3. Those clients who have regularly engaged in strenuous or high-impact activities prior to pregnancy can continue that practice unless they develop pregnancy complications that contraindicate exercise.
4. Mild-to-moderate exercise during pregnancy is healthy for moms and babies.