Pregnancy can be a challenging phase for your spouse. Maintaining a healthy posture will help her keep back problems away. An exercise routine will especially help her to keep fit. Your spouse can begin an exercise routine even if she has never really exercised before. Walking, swimming, pre-natal yoga, and simple aerobics are ideal forms of exercise during pregnancy.

These are some of the things your spouse may need to remember if she is starting an exercise routine:

- All exercise programs should be begun gradually. Starting with about 15 minutes, three to four days a week is sufficient.
- She should resist the temptation to overdo it.
- She should avoid jogging, unless she used to jog regularly before her pregnancy.
- She should avoid doing sit-ups and other exercises, which involve lying on the back as they may decrease blood flow to the uterus.
- Exercises that involve standing in the same place for long periods can also decrease blood flow to the baby. It is better to keep moving or changing positions frequently.
- She should avoid strenuous forms of exercise, such as riding a bike.
- She should wear loose comfortable clothing and avoid overheating.
- She must drink adequate amounts of water to avoid dehydration.
- She should eat healthy foods to make up for calories lost during exercise.
- If, after exercise, she notices symptoms such as fatigue, pain, nausea, vaginal bleeding or discharge, or pelvic contractions, she should contact her doctor immediately.

Whether your spouse is pregnant or not, exercise is one of the best things she can do for her physical and emotional health. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women without health problems or pregnancy complications exercise moderately for 30 minutes or more on most, if not all, days of the week.

Pregnant or not, exercise helps keep the heart, bones, and mind healthy. Staying active also seems to give some special added paybacks for pregnant women.

Here are some really good reasons for your spouse to get regular exercise during pregnancy:

- It can ease and prevent aches and pains of pregnancy including constipation, varicose veins, backaches, and exhaustion
- Active women seem to be better prepared for labor and delivery and recover more quickly
- Exercise may lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes during pregnancy
- Fit women have an easier time getting back to a healthy weight after delivery
- Regular exercise may improve sleep during pregnancy.

Staying active can protect your spouse's emotional health. Pregnant women who exercise seem to have better self-esteem and a lower risk of depression and anxiety. Get more information for http://www.greatdad.com/tertiary/59/1246/eat-and-exercise-for-two-what-type-of-exercise-is-best-during-pregnancy.html">pregnancy exercise.