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Women with low-risk pregnancies can, with their doctor's approval, continue their pre-pregnancy activity level while pregnant, gradually decreasing the intensity level as necessary as the due date nears. Even inactive expectant moms can begin a moderate exercise program.

Expectant moms should remember the following basic tips, and should always stop exercising if fatigued, if any pain or cramping occurs, or if their doctor tells them not to exercise:

• Stay hydrated--drink even more water before, during, and after workouts
• Stay cool--in addition to extra water, wear comfortable clothing, use a fan, and don't allow yourself to overheat
• Do not exercise in a supine (lying down) position after the first trimester. That means modifying most abdominal exercises.
• Be aware of your changing center of gravity and the looseness of joints caused by pregnancy hormones in order to avoid injury
• Be aware of your increased need for oxygen during pregnancy--you may get winded much more easily and need to take your intensity level down a notch

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) revised its guidelines for exercise in pregnancy in 1994, stating that there is no need for women without prenatal risk factors to decrease their workout intensity or lower their target heart rate. Their previous recommendation of keeping the heart rate under 140 BPM was found to be too conservative, especially for fit women who barely break a sweat at 140 BPM and whose trained cardiovascular systems are much more efficient at dissipating the heat generated by exercise. ACOG found no research to support an arbitrary 140 BPM limit, though untrained individuals may want to watch their heart rate more carefully.