Cover image via ynaija.comExercising, in general, is considered a good thing. For it not only helps us in physical manner, it's also a long-term antidepressant.
But can exercising when you're pregnant be dangerous?
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First things first, being pregnant is possibly the toughest thing ever!
Add to that the feeling of being overwhelmed with conflicting information on practically everything a pregnant woman should do.
However, as long as preggers are not pushing themselves harder than they did before they were pregnant, it's actually perfectly healthy (and even recommended by doctors) for them to get regular exercise throughout the duration of their their pregnancies!
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Dr Anita Green, a sports doctor at Sports Medicine Australia, says that the vast majority of preggers can safely enjoy some level of sport or physical activity throughout their pregnancy, adding that it is most important that they continue to be physically active for their own physical and mental health and the well-being of their baby.
"Most pregnant women will be healthy and have a pregnancy which is progressing normally. For them it is most important that they continue to be physically active for their own physical and mental health and the well-being of their baby," she says.
Furthermore, pregnant women who exercise have better weight control, improved mood, decreased constipation and they maintain their fitness. Exercise also helps prevent the onset of gestational diabetes (diabetes that occurs during pregnancy) and is recommended for women who develop gestational diabetes, [reports](http://www.abc.net.au/health/talkinghealth/factbuster/stories/2012/05/15/3474866.htm) the website ABC.
Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, an Obstetrics and gynaecologist at the Yale School of Medicine told BuzzFeed Life that she lets her pregnant patients ski as long as they are good at it.
"Staying limber and fit is terrific for labour and delivery," she says.
However, there are a few pointers that need to kept in check! Always, first talk to your trusted doctor or midwife rather than simply following any advice from the Internet.
Lifehacker's Beth Skwarecki has a list of the actual risks of exercising during pregnancy and what to do about them:
