You should always consult a doctor before beginning any physical exercise program, especially while pregnant. Pregnancy is not the time to start a new intense physical activity. However, staying in shape and including some exercise can help you feel your best which is important during the hard days of pregnancy. You may decrease your feelings of fatigue, back pain, or stress. You may be able to decrease your chance of gestational diabetes and improve your labor and delivery.
If you never worked out before pregnancy you will benefit from stretching, walking and low impact swimming but do not start anything high impact. If you were active before pregnancy you will need to adjust to your comfort level. Again, always consult your doctor as risking your baby is never worth a poor judgment call.
Do NOT Exercise if:
You have any spotting or bleeding.
Low placenta
Threat of a miscarriage
There are other conditions which make exercising while pregnant something to be avoided so please see your doctor before beginning a new routine.
Safe Exercises during Pregnancy
Walking
Swimming
Low impact aerobics
Elliptical machines
If you were a jogger before pregnancy you can continue in moderation. Tennis is a low impact sport, however, if you never played you will need to consult a doctor. You are not a china doll but you must be sure you do not have any underlying conditions or risks before beginning something new. If you were previously an active person you should be able to handle most activities adjusting as needed. Obviously you will want to avoid contact sports, squats, anything that you may fall, holding your breath, jumping, bouncing, or working out in humid weather. If you feel chest pain, experience vaginal bleeding, feel faint or dizzy, short of breath, have fluid leak steadily, or difficulty walking you will want to consult your doctor or head to urgent care immediately.