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Maria Borets, obstetrician-gynecologist:
"Physical activity and sports infitness regime, that is, non-professional, are certainly useful for both pregnant women and everyone else. If everything goes well and your obstetrician-gynecologist is not against it, physical activity is only welcome. But you should follow just a few rules: The most important thing is not to change your lifestyle drastically. If before pregnancy your physical activity was limited to shopping and rare walks, you should not improve your health with the help of physical exercise when you become pregnant. In such cases, doctors simply recommend regular walks in the fresh air. If any kind of sport has been part of your life for a long time, then you should only slightly modify your activities. In the first and third trimesters, it is advisable to reduce their intensity. During the entire pregnancy, it is better to avoid exercises aimed at contracting the rectus abdominis muscles, as well as avoid lifting heavy objects (more than 5 kg). Yoga instructors usually do not recommend that women who have not actively practiced for two years before pregnancy do yoga. Never do sports if you do not have the physical strength and desire. This may be a signal that physical activity can be harmful. Swimming is a very good sport, as all muscle groups are involved. The main thing to pay attention to is personal hygiene in a public pool. Think about what kind of activity you are interested in, make a plan for your activity and discuss it with your doctor. This is the best option! But do not start training on your own under any circumstances."
