What Type of Exercise Machines Can I Use If I Am Pregnant?

Exercise is important for a healthy pregnancy for both mom and baby. Proper exercise manages weight gain. It also improves a woman's self-image as her body undergoes the dramatic changes the pregnancy brings. Most exercise machines are safe for use by pregnant women.

  1. Misconceptions

    • Using exercise balls and light weights can help pregnant women stay healthy.

      Exercise is no longer believed to be dangerous to fetal development. On the contrary, moderate exercise is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Pregnant women are encouraged to use the Scale of Perceived Exertion, not their heart rates, to monitor the intensity of their workouts.

    Safe Machine: Treadmill

    • Exercise machines, such as treadmills, are a great way to stay in shape while pregnant.

      A treadmill is an excellent exercise machine for pregnant women. Depending on her level of fitness, a pregnant woman can jog or begin a walking program using a treadmill.

    Safe Machine: Elliptical Trainer

    • Elliptical trainers are perfect machines for minimizing impact on the joints of the hips, knees and ankles. As a pregnancy progresses, a woman may find low- and no-impact exercises more comfortable.

    Safe Machine: Stationary or Recumbent Bike

    • Biking combines a no-impact exercise with flexible intensity. Early in pregnancy, women may still be comfortable on an upright stationary bike or even participating in a spinning class. Later in pregnancy, a recumbent bike creates additional room to accommodate a larger belly.

    Health Considerations

    • If a woman was very active prior to becoming pregnant, she should continue with moderate exercise through much of her pregnancy. Women should use the perceived exertion scale to judge the intensity of their workouts. A pregnant woman should be able to talk while exercising, but not "belt out show tunes," according to Suzanne Schlosberg at FitPregnancy.