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    Fit & Healthy

    PregnancyContent Owner: The Fit and Healthy Pregnancy GuidePresented by: Free E-book

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    ForewordApart from sharing information and knowledge, this FREE E-book

    hopes to make a small contribution towards saving mother earththrough promoting wider use of paperless publications.

    You may freely distribute this E-book so long as the contents herein

    are not changed or ownership overwritten.

    This E-book is for information purposes only. While every attempt

    has been made to verify the information provided herein, neither

    the author, publisher nor the marketer assume any responsibility

    for errors or omissions. Any slight of people or organizations areunintentional with no intention whatsoever to convey any idea

    affecting the reputation of any person or business enterprise. The

    trademarks, screen-shots, website links, products and services

    mentioned herein are copyrighted by their respective owners. This

    E-book has been distributed with the understanding that we are not

    engaged in rendering technical, legal, medical, accounting or other

    professional advice. We do not give any kind of guarantee about

    the accuracy of information provided. In no event will the author

    and/or marketer be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental,

    consequential or other loss or damage arising out of the use of the

    information in this document by any person, regardless of whether

    or not informed of the possibility of damages in advance.

    Recommended Reading:

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    Pregnancy Nutrition Is Caffeine OK?Back in 1980 the FDA published a warning advising pregnant women to restrict or eliminate their

    intake of caffeine because of its teratogenic effects (cause birth defects). This was echoed in 1994

    with a review of over 200 medical journals by Dr. Astrid Nehlig that was published in The Journalof Neurotoxicology and Teratology.

    Currently, the advice on caffeine intake during pregnancy nutrition is moderation - meaning less

    than 300mg. This is because new studies show no harm with intakes less than that. Due to the fact

    that scientific studies are showing new and different results, I tend to be conservative in my

    personal view on caffeine and pregnancy.

    What does caffeine do?

    Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, leaches calcium, reduces iron absorption, has adiuretic effect and crosses the placenta into your baby. This means it has the following results in

    your body:

    Raises your heart rate

    Decreases the amount of calcium in your body

    Dehydrates you

    Increases your blood pressure

    AND the same things occur for your baby (except baby will steal from your bones to get needed

    calcium)

    Thats not all - it also interferes with a normal fetal growth, is associated with lower birth weight

    and weakens adrenal glands, which affect your blood sugar regulation and stress coping abilities.

    It is best to avoid or at least reduce your caffeine intake to no more than 300mg per day. Some

    experts say no more than 150mg per day. You may be able to handle the caffeine, but babys liver is

    immature and not able to get rid of it like you. Imagine if that 1 cup of morning coffee lasted you

    40-130 hours as it does for your baby.

    Common caffeine sources

    Coffee (100-200 mg per 8 ounce)

    Tea (black 60mg, green 40mg)

    Soda (40-75mg per can)

    Dark Chocolate (5-35mg per 1 ounce)

    Milk Chocolate (1-15mg per 1 ounce)

    Headache medicine (65-130mg)

    If you are a caffeine user, I recommend reducing to less than 300mg per day (some studies show

    increase miscarriages with more than 300mg). Then gradually reducing to as close to zero as

    possible, which will not only benefit your baby, but also your ability to handle stress.

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    Pre-Natal Vitamins What the Mayo ClinicGuide doesnt tell you

    The Mayo Clinic Pregnancy Guide has a lot right about whats important to eat during pregnancy.

    They speak of how its critical to have good eating habits while trying to conceive because major

    organs form during the first few weeks of pregnancy-before you even know you are pregnant!

    Without the proper nutrients during this time your baby may be at risk for both short and long-term

    health issues.

    They cover the usual suspects of pre-natal vitamins - calcium, folate, and iron which are indeed

    important, BUT none of them help with

    fetal development of lung, visual system, skull, skeleton, kidney baby brain development

    assistance with utilization of minerals like calcium, water soluble vitamins

    your protein digestion

    your optimal thyroid and immune system function

    your production of sex and stress hormones

    What nutrient does all this?

    Its Vitamin A!!

    Okay, now you may be thinking youve heard vitamin A is that vitamin associated with birth

    defects.

    This claim is inaccurate and based on a study that used questionnaires from 22,000 pregnant women

    to find out about their eating and supplement habits. Researchers found a high rate of neural crest

    defects with increased dosages of vitamin A.

    But - they did not distinguish between natural and synthetic forms of vitamin A nor did they get lab

    results for vitamin A blood levels.

    Processed foods are fortified with synthetic form of vitamin A.

    Also, people cant be trusted to be good record keepers, so questionnaires are an unreliable way to

    measure a persons nutrient intake. Do you remember what you ate yesterday??

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    Too bad the media didnt jump all over another study done in Rome, Italy that found no congenital

    malformations in 120 infants exposed to 50,000IU or more of vitamin A per day.

    The real issue is not how much, but what form- synthetic or natural.

    The best all natural sources: cod liver oil, liver, butterfat, egg yolks, seafood, organ meats, grass-fed

    dairy and meats. Notice that these are all fat sources too. This is Mother Nature packaging the foods

    in the way your body needs them. Moms always know best!

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    The Best Pregnancy Diet

    Whats the best pregnancy diet?

    This is one of the most important questions every woman who is pregnant or trying to become

    pregnant should be asking. It is so important because they are solely responsible for feeding and

    nourishing their growing baby.

    The best pregnancy diet is one that will supply all the nutrients needed to support optimal fetal

    development (such as brain, nervous and skeletal system) while also giving the mothers body its

    needed nutrients. Its also the one that will curb food cravings and prevent an unhealthy weight

    gain, which could put both the baby and mother at risk for many health complications.

    Specifically, it will consist of the foods listed below:

    High quality protein (grass-fed meats, eggs from cage free grass-fed chickens)

    High quality dairy (raw grass-fed: cheese, cream, milk and butter)

    Soaked grains and nuts

    Stocks (bone broths)

    Organic or locally grown fruits and veggies

    High quality fat

    Lacto-fermented foodsHigh potency fish oil

    Filtered water

    Eating the foods above will provide all the necessary nutrients a mother and developing baby needs

    such as:

    B vitamins

    Calcium

    Iron

    ZincCopper

    Magnesium

    Vitamin D

    Healthy omega 3 to omega 6 ratio

    Conjugated Linolenic Acid

    Vitamin A

    Vitamin C

    Folate

    Cholesterol

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    This means that you will gain a healthy weight and have less to lose after pregnancy.

    Why?

    Because by giving your body and baby what is needed, you wont be tempted to overeat or be avictim to food cravings! And thats just another reason why it is the best pregnancy diet.

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    Pregnancy Diet Plan Discover Lacto-Fermented Foods

    A pregnancy diet plan must include a regular intake of lacto-fermented foods. These are foods

    preserved the old fashioned way (before refrigerators or freezers). Eating these foods provides a

    natural food form of a probiotic.

    Lacto-fermented foods to include in a pregnancy diet plan are:

    Live sauerkraut, pickles, salsa and chutneys (fruit or vegetable)

    kimichi Yogurt

    Kefir

    Grass-fed cheese

    Crme fraiche

    *Live means they are not shelf stable and must be refrigerated. This is because they were not heated

    (pasteurized) or made with vinegar, but with whey and/or salt.

    There are many health reasons why these foods are an important part of a pregnancy diet plan.

    Help reduce constipation

    They are a great natural vitamin C source

    Increase B vitamins

    Increase intestinal good bacteria

    Help neutralize anti-nutrients (those substances in food that make it hard on your body to absorb the

    good stuff).

    Strengthen the immune system

    Post-baby benefits-encourages lactation and helps baby build their good gut bacteria

    They should be used as a condiment in a pregnancy diet plan. When looking for pre-made lacto-

    fermented foods-remember they have to be refrigerated (cannot be stored on the shelf), made with

    whey and/or salt (not vinegar). You also have the option of making your own which is worth the

    time to reap their benefits.

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    Below is a recipe for a lacto-fermented food to get you started on your way to having a healthy

    pregnancy diet.

    Pickled cucumbers

    4-5 pickling cucumbers 1 Tbsp mustard seeds

    2 Tbsp fresh dill, snipped 2 Tbsp Celtic sea salt1c filtered water

    Wash cucumbers well and place in a quart-sized wide mouth mason jar. Combine remaining

    ingredients and pour over cucumbers, adding more water if necessary to cover the cucumbers. The

    top of the liquid should be at least 1 inch below the top of the jar. Cover tightly and keep at room

    temperature for about 3 days before transferring to the refrigerator. (Note: recipe from Nourishing

    Traditions)

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    Foods to AVOID During PregnancyKnowing which foods to avoid (or severely limit) during pregnancy is especially important. It's a

    time in a woman's life when she should be especially careful to protect her developing baby. Somefoods on this list are obvious, like alcohol, but others may come as a surprise.

    1. Junks Foods

    It will be challenging to find the time to burn off these extra dead calories. Plus they are full of

    detrimental non-foods that are bad for you and your baby.

    "Junk food" includes the usual suspects: fried foods, margarine, soft drinks, sweets, anything made

    with white flour (crackers, cookies, bread, cereals) and most boxed foods. They contain syntheticvitamin A which is toxic, and best avoided while pregnant.

    Do the "ingredient list test" - how long is the list and how many words look like something out of a

    chemistry text book?

    2. Caffeine

    It is best to avoid or at least reduce your caffeine intake to no more than 200mg per day. It reduces

    iron absorption, interferes with normal fetal growth and is associated with lower birth weight and an

    increased risk of miscarriage.

    3. Alcohol

    I'm sure it's not a big surprise to avoid alcohol while pregnant. It negatively affects the developing

    fetus. Enough said.

    4. Trans Fats

    Trans fats inhibit the conversion of fatty acids needed for fetal brain growth and decrease the fat

    content of breast milk. Also, it has been found to decrease sperm count.

    Do not trust labels that claim products are trans fat free. If a food has half a gram or less per serving

    than it can be labeled "trans fat free". No big deal? Well, the Institute of Medicine even stated there

    is no safe intake level for trans fats.

    It's not good for you and it's not good for your developing baby. If the ingredient list has the words

    "partially hydrogenated" it's got trans fat and it is a food to avoid during pregnancy.

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    5. Artificial and Refined Sweeteners

    Artificial and refined sweeteners (like Splenda, Sweet-n-Low, Aspertame, Nutra-Sweet, etc.) are a

    source of empty calories and a great way to gain too much weight. They can also negatively affect

    your baby's ability to regulate blood sugar.

    Artifical and refined sweeteners can increase your cravings for sugar (causing too much weight

    gain). So, the more you eat, the more you want to eat and this increases the demands on your body's

    insulin production (which is also the pathway to diabetes).

    A study out of The University of Texas Science Center at San Antonio suggests that the more diet

    sodas a person drinks, the more likely they are to become over weight.

    There's all kinds of information out there about how nasty artificial sweeteners are for you. It is a

    neurological toxin and can cause headaches and even seizures. Just say NO!

    Stick to drinking water (filtered if you can), mineral water or lacto-fermented beverages to satisfy

    your thirst.

    6. Commercial Fried Foods

    It's no big surprise that fried foods aren't good for you or your baby. You are just consuming extra

    calories with out any nutrient benefits. They are also full of trans fat. (see #4 in Part 1 of this article)

    7. Food Additives

    Food additives (such as MSG) are neurotoxins (bad for the nervous system). I find it rather scary

    that a study found brain lesions on developing embryos assiciated with MSG intake.

    MSG may appear in the ingredient list as: hydrolyzed protein, calcium, sodium casinate, texturedprotein, citric acid, soy foods, malt flavorings, flavorings, and natural flavorings - so CHECK

    YOUR LABELS!

    As a side note, seasonings all usually contain MSG.

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    8. Soy

    Soy food is a highly processed and refined food. It is also full of things that will block you and your

    developing baby from absorbing nutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium. Consuming it

    also increases the mothers need for vitamin D.

    Soy also contains phytoestrogens (a.k.a plant estrogen) which can negatively impact the fetal

    development of the reproductive organs and brain.

    In recap, the eight foods to avoid during pregnancy are:

    1. Junk Foods

    2. Caffeine

    3. Alcohol4. Trans Fat

    5. Artificial and Refined Sweetners

    6. Commercial Fried Foods

    7. Food Additives

    8. Soy

    Making at least some of these changes to your food intake will do wonders for your baby! And, if

    you can do them all, even better. For information you won't want to miss on eating and exercisingfor a healthy happy baby, check out our Fit and Healthy Pregnancy Guide.

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    SPICY FOODS DURING PREGNANCYA frequent question my pregnant clients ask me is if its safe to eat spicy foods during pregnancy.

    The answer is yes!

    It is safe to eat spicy foods during pregnancy-many cultures around the world have been doing so

    without problems for a long time.

    The biggest complaint a pregnant woman who eats spicy foods may have is heart burn, but not all

    will to the same extent. It is a very individual experience. Heartburn symptoms might increase as

    the pregnancy progresses, because the stomach is closer to the throat due to the baby growing in

    size. Another reason for heartburn from eating spicy foods during pregnancy is due to progestin

    which causes the sphincter muscle at the top of the stomach to relax (food and stomach acid canthen back up into the esophagus).

    A couple of common myths associated with eating spicy food during pregnancy are...

    marking up the babies skin

    giving baby less head hair

    bringing on labor

    These are all myths and bear no truth. Try as she might, a pregnant woman approaching her duedate will have no success in brining on labor from eating a spicy dish.

    Here are some interesting fun facts about spicy food.

    Baby can taste the flavor of foods eaten by mom while in the womb

    The hotter the pepper the more magnesium it has

    Spicy foods are a source of many vitamins and minerals

    I recommend women to go ahead and eat spicy foods while pregnant if they so desire, but to take it

    slow. Its a good idea to start with a few bites or combine with cooling foods like yogurt. It is alsoimportant to make sure spicy foods are not high in sodium. Sodium can cause fluid retention and

    increase blood pressure.

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    Vitamin Deficiency Even with PrenatalSupplementsUp to 80% of women who took prenatal supplements were deficient in oneimportant nutrient.

    Curious? Read on to find out the details...

    A study by the University of Pittsburgh reported in the Journal of Nutrition that

    prenatal multivitamin supplements do not prevent a Vitamin D deficiency!

    Maybe you are saying, "I've heard of foliate and pregnancy, but not VitaminD". Well, let me fill you in on the importance of Vitamin D for you and yourbaby.

    What Vitamin D does for your baby...

    - proper tooth formation- insulin production- increased mineral absorption- fetal organ and brain development- In addition, babies born with a Vitamin D deficiency have been associatedwith having an increase of asthma, impaired growth, skeletal problems, Type 1diabetes and schizophrenia.

    What Vitamin D does for you...

    - protection against depression- insulin production- increased mineral absorption- improved bone health- prevention of blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia)- prevention of colon and breast cancer

    Are you ready to up your intake of Vitamin D?

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    This may come as a surprise, but the best sources are grass-fed dairy andeggs, grass-fed meats, lard, butterfat, shellfish, Salmon, marine oil, andliver/organ meat.

    If you doubt that you'll eat enough of these foods then be sure to read Chapter

    10 ofThe Fit and Healthy Pregnancy Guide for the names of the bestsupplements and where to get them.

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    Top Nine Tips for Morning Sickness ReliefMany of my pregnant friends would say that it really shouldnt be calledMorning sickness. They said that a more accurate term would be Daysickness. I was lucky and only had the morning version in a mild form, but itstill wasnt fun.

    Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all approach to dealing with thecommon pregnancy experience of morning sickness. Its more of a trial and

    error to find what works for you. Here are a few things to try:

    Munch on dry crackers by Late July or Newmans Own graham crackercookies (or look for brands that use butter, palm oil/fruit)-especially first thingin the morning

    Keep hydrated by sipping on water or warmed stock

    Drink raw real milk (read more on this in FHP guide)

    Munch or suck on whole wheat pretzels

    Try some ginger in the form of tea (can make it iced tea), crystalline,gingersnaps (Mi-Del is a good brand name)

    Eat small mini meals every three hours (this also helps reduce food cravings)

    Please be sure to see your OB/GYN if you are not able to eat, hold downfood/fluids, not gaining or losing weight

    Avoid spicy or heavy foods

    Vitamin B6 may be of help which is found in these foods:

    raw full fat dairy, raw egg yolk from cage free pastured chicken (heat destroysB6), sprouted grains, onions, sweet potato, lacto- fermented foods (thesefoods increase the bacteria in your gut which produce vitamin B6-more on thisin the FHP guide)

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    Try any of these to see if they provide you some relief from your morningsickness. If one doesnt work, maybe another one will. The main idea is not tolet your belly be empty and to keep fluids coming in. But, also to trust yourinstinct and seek medical advice if you are not able to keep fluids or foodsdown-if in doubt at least ask your OB/GYN.

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    Fitting In FitnessHaving trouble making exercise part of your regular routine? It can feel like an added stress on topof full time work (or full time parenting), running a household and spending time with friends and

    family, but making time for healthy habits can give you that added boost of energy do help you do it

    all.

    With extra energy comes lower stress levels, making the challenges of daily life much easier to

    handle. And who couldn't benefit from that?!

    By using some of the tips below you'll find fitness fits right in:

    Schedule Exercise Into Your Day

    Yep, this one's first for a reason. If you don't carve time out of your schedule for your health, the

    rest of these tips won't do you any good.

    I can tell you right now - if you're waiting until you have time during your day to exercise, it isn't

    ever going to happen. You have to make the time. Put you and your baby first by making exercise apriority.

    You know the saying - "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail". Sit down right now and take a good

    look at your week. If you're efficient with your workout it will only take you 30 minutes (tip #2).

    Do you have time over your lunch break? Can you get up just a little earlier a few days a week? Can

    you stop at a park on the way home from work? Doesn't matter when you do it, just make it happen!

    Cut Down Your Workout Time

    30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week is really all it takes. Sure - 4 or 5 times a week would be evenbetter but it doesn't ever have to mean 2 hours in the gym 6 days a week.

    Sometimes that idea overwhelms people - they know they don't have that kind of time, so they don't

    do anything at all. In actuality, 2 hours a day 6 days a week is too much. 30 minutes will keep you

    and your baby healthy, won't wear you out and will leave you time for everything else you want to

    do. Sounds much better, doesn't it?

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    Exercise At Home

    Does the idea of running to the gym on your way home from work send you running in the other

    direction? Going to a "gym" can be added time that you don't have. With a few inexpensive pieces

    of equipment, you can be well on your way to a variety of fun and productive exercises.

    Every program in our Fit and Healthy Pregnancy Guide can be done in the comfort of your own

    home, in 30 minutes or less. Pick up your copy today at

    www.FitandHealthyPregnancy.com/thebook.asp

    Walk

    Sound too simple? I would challenge any of you that say you don't have time for a 20-30 minute

    walk most days. Besides the mood elevating benefits of being outside (especially if the sun is

    shining), squeezing in a brisk walk before or after work, on your lunch break or even after dinner

    (which is MUCH better than sitting down in front of the TV for the night!) is all it takes to addsome exercise to your day.

    Exercise With Your Kids

    Are you a stay at home mom? I know how busy your days can be! Why not work fitness in for the

    whole family? If they're old enough, walking, bike riding, roller skating or any number of fun

    activities can be your chance to get your heart rate up a little bit. If they're still too little, push them

    in a stroller or add a baby seat to your bike. You'll also be teaching them about the importance of

    staying active at the same time - perfect!

    Make a Date With Friend

    Nothing helps with consistency like accountability! Ask a friend or your spouse to help you commit

    to exercise each week (and you'll be helping them to get in shape too!). It is much harder to allow

    yourself to skip out on exercise if you have to answer to someone else.

    Find Things You Enjoy

    I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of activities that can be used as exercise. It

    doesn't have to be running or working with dumbbells.

    Let me brainstorm for a few seconds here: yoga, tai chi, dancing (ballet, hip hop, belly, ballroom,

    etc.), swimming, rowing, golf, tennis... I could go on. I am sure there are even activities out there

    that I'm not even aware of. If it gets your heart rate up, uses some muscles, and makes you sweat a

    little bit, it probably counts.

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    Just be sure it isn't going to be a dangerous activity while you're pregnant. For example, things like

    kick boxing, soccer, horseback riding and rollerblading should be put on hold for the next few

    months.

    For step by step instruction on exactly which exercises are right for you during pregnancy, as wellas crucial nutrition information, visit www.FitandHealthyPregnancy.com/thebook.asp today for

    your copy of The Fit and Healthy Pregnancy Guide.

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    The BEST Cardiovascular Exercise for You,Your Baby and Your Busy ScheduleFirst of all, what IS Cardiovascular Exercise?

    To make sure we're all on the same page here, cardio is any activity that keeps your heart rate

    elevated for an extended period of time, while using the large muscle groups of your body.

    Otherwise known as cardio, or aerobics - it strengthens your heart and lungs and helps deliver

    oxygen to your muscles.

    It is especially important to engage in this type of exercise 2-4 days a week during pregnancy

    because it will help you:

    - have an easier, problem free pregnancy

    - manage excess weight gain

    - decrease swelling of hands and feet

    - sleep better- reduce constipation

    - fight fatigue

    - gain/maintain strength and endurance in preparation for labor- get back to your post-pregnancy body faster

    So, what is the BEST kind? Although this might not be the answer you are expecting, the best kind

    of cardio is the kind that you will actually DO!

    If you shy away from 20-40 minutes of aerobic exercise a day because you think you need to be

    inside, on a treadmill, staring at a blank wall, then I have to say - I don't blame you!

    Exercise shouldn't be something you dread. And if walking or jogging isn't for you, I'm here to tell

    you that there are lots of alternatives out there, some you might even enjoy - imagine that.

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    Some of the other more common types of cardio that are great during pregnancy are swimming (a

    good way to give your back a break!) and biking (indoor upright or recumbent is best) but if those

    don't motivate you - get creative! At the gym, try:

    - rowing- stair climbing machine

    - a low impact group class

    - water classes- yoga or pilates (you'd be surprised how some of these can get your heart rate up!)

    - dance - any kind is great, just avoid lots of leaping and jumping, or anything that involves

    something closer to acrobatics...

    Don't belong to a gym? Take your workout outside! Take advantage of a sunny day and moderate

    temperatures to enjoy the outdoors and go for a hike. Or, cut down on travel time and workout in

    the comfort of your own home with a video or DVD.

    There are a few things you'll want to stay away from during pregnancy - anything that involves the

    potential for bodily injury (especially to the abdomen) like soccer, roller blading, horse back riding,

    skiing - water or snow, etc.

    Please use your best judgement (and consult with your doctor) with your particular level of fitness

    before trying any type of exercise. Pregnancy is not the time to go full speed ahead, especially if

    your body isn't used to that. So use common sense, and ease yourself into a routine that suits you

    best.

    You'll find more suggestions and recommendations in Chapter 7 of Your Fit and Healthy Pregnancy

    Guide. If you haven't already gotten a copy of your own, now is the time! Visit

    www.FitandHealthyPregnancy.com/thebook.asp today!

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    Strength Training During Pregnancy - WhyMoms-To-Be MUST Be Strong!

    Most people start an exercise program to lose weight. Of course, this isnt the objective during

    pregnancy exercise but there are lots of other reasons to get started on or continue on a regular

    exercise routine when youre pregnant.

    When you think of exercise, cardiovascular exercise is what usually comes to mind. Walking,

    jogging, swimming and many other activities that get your heart rate up are all part of this category.

    And, its an important piece to the puzzle.

    But - The other half of the formula for a well rounded pre-natal exercise routine is strength training.

    This is the one people often forget about. The running (i.e. cardio) craze of the 1970s is still in the

    forefront of peoples mind when they think about good exercise, burning calories and a healthy, lean

    body.

    The truth is, while cardio is great for your heart, it is strength training that will prepare you for the

    physical demands of being a mom. In addition, it is strength training that will play a bigger role in

    getting your pre-pregnancy body back, or making it even better than before!

    All of the lifting, bending and carrying you have to look forward to in the upcoming months will bemuch easier with a functionally strong body. In the mean time, gaining or maintaining strength

    during pregnancy is the key to reducing aches and pains as your body continues to change.

    Pregnancy strength training will help:

    Reduce back pain

    Increase your energy levels

    Make labor and delivery easier

    Keep you strong and injury free

    Combat postural changes during pregnancy Make post-partum weight loss MUCH easier and faster

    Flatten your tummy after delivery

    Studies now show that strength training during pregnancy is not only safe and beneficial, but a must

    for an overall healthy strong body. If you were a regular exerciser before your pregnancy, it is

    usually safe to continue your routine, although some modifications may be necessary.

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    If you didnt have a consistent program in place, the general rule of thumb is to wait until your 2nd

    trimester (when youll be feeling much better) to ease yourself into a routine. Either way, checks in

    with your doctor first to be sure you dont have any complications that could be affected by a

    pregnancy exercise routine.

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    Why You Need to Stretch During Pregnancyand How to Do It Safely

    When you think of a typical pregnancy exercise program, stretching and warming up are easily

    forgotten. But they are a MUST for any safe and effective workout.

    Aside from just feeling good, stretching helps to keep your pregnant body healthy in a number of

    ways:

    1. Prevents injuries by pulling your body gently back into balance.

    2. Increases circulation - more blood flow to the muscles means a healthier muscle.

    3. Gives you more energy! Along with greater blood flow comes more oxygen which keeps us from

    feeling sleepy during the day.

    4. Eases the aches and pains of pregnancy by loosening the tight muscles that cause low back pain,

    headaches and other common complaints.

    5. Enhances your workout by increasing your range of motion.

    6. Improves your posture which helps you look and feel better as your body continues to change.

    Keep in mind that being gumby is not the goal - being too flexible can be just as dangerous as not

    being flexible enough. So, it's important to stretch only those muscles that are tight and to combine

    your stretching with a good pregnancy strength training program.

    Top Ten Tips for Stretching Success

    Stretching is essential to any pregnancy exercise program. But, most people don't realize HOW to

    stretch.

    Just going through the motions can be more dangerous than not doing it at all. Follow these ten tips

    to round out your workout.

    1. Warm up with 5-8 minutes of cardiovascular exercise - that is, an activity like jogging, biking or

    walking that will get your heart rate up and your blood pumping. Then begin your stretching

    routine.

    2. Stretch only those muscles that are tight.

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    3. Don't stretch muscles that are already loose - if you don't "feel the stretch", you may not need to

    do it.

    4. Avoid over-stretching. During pregnancy your joints are especially loose and prone to injury.

    5. Stretching should NOT hurt. Stretching a tight muscle should feel good, back off if there is any

    pain.

    6. Hold stretches for 20-30 seconds each.

    7. Never bounce while you stretch.

    8. Stay relaxed and breathe deeply to help lengthen your muscles.

    9. Do not lock out your joints, keep elbows and knees slightly bent to reduce stress on them.

    10. Stretch after your exercise session too, to help your body cool down and prevent injury.

    There you have it, the basics of stretching! Follow these simple guidelines and reap the benefits of

    stretching during pregnancy.

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    Safe Pregnancy Exercise How to Warm Upand Cool Down

    Safe pregnancy exercise of any kind - cardiovascular or strength training - require extra circulation

    of blood throughout your body.

    As you move, your muscles require more oxygen and nutrients to keep them going. Your blood

    carries these essentials throughout the entire body. As your muscles begin to work harder, your heart

    needs to pump faster to keep up.

    If you jump right into a workout with out warming up, your heart is not pumping fast enough to the

    oxygen and nutrients around in an efficient manner. This is especially important for expectant

    mothers because you need blood not only for your hard working muscles, but for your baby as well.

    A good warm up ensures that your body is prepared well enough for both in advance, keeping you

    and your baby safe during your exercise session.

    So, before you do anything - even before you stretch - get a light sweat going with 5-10 minutes of

    light to moderate activity. Walking, jogging, rowing and biking are just a few examples of activities

    that will start you off on the right foot.

    At the other end of the workout, cooling down is just as important as warming up.

    Your body required extra circulation in order to keep up with the demands of your workout, so

    you'll want to give yourself some time to return to normal before going back to your daily routine.

    Using the same light activities as your warm up, take 10 minutes after your workout to let your

    heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature drop before sitting in your car to head home,

    hopping in the shower, etc.

    Complete your safe pregnancy exercise session with these simple tips - your body and your babywill thank you!

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    An Exercise You MUST Do For Easier Laborand a Faster Recovery

    If you are pregnant, or planning on getting pregnant you have probably already accepted the

    inevitable expanding waistline. While an exercise program over the next 9 (or 10) months isn't

    going to be aimed at getting a 6-pack, those core (a.k.a abdominal) muscles will still need some

    attention.

    We usually think of our core muscles as the ones we use while doing a "crunch" but the truth is,

    there are many more muscles than that in your mid-section, and crunching in probably the least

    important exercise in the bunch.

    You see, strengthening these core muscles will not only allow you to get back to your pre-pregnant

    shape (or better) faster, but since these are the muscles you "push" with, strengthening them will

    will make labor and delivery much easier.

    The easiest, and most important exercise is the kegel. Most of you have heard of this before -

    strengthening the muscles of your pelvic floor. Kegels utilize the same muscles used in stopping he

    flow of urine when you go to the bathroom.

    So, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Contract these muscles and

    hold them tight for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this 5-10 times.

    When you become more comfortable performing this little movement, you can try it while you are

    sitting or standing. These positions work well because it is beneficial to perform kegels several

    times throughout the day.

    Once you master this, you'll be ready for the other core strengthening exercises in our Fit and

    Healthy Pregnancy Guide. In addition to core exercises specific to each trimester, you'll find easy to

    follow exercise routines you can do in the comfort of your own home with little equipment.

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    When NOT to ExerciseExercise is a great addition to any healthy pregnancy but the health of your baby is the mostimportant thing of all. So knowing when to put down the weights or hop off the treadmill and give

    yourself a rest is just as important.

    No matter how fit you were before your pregnancy, you should not participate in any exercise with

    any of the following conditions:

    Pregnancy Induced hypertension

    Pre-term rupture of placenta membranes

    Pre-term labor now, or in previous pregnancies

    I ncompetent cervix

    Persistent bleeding in 2nd or 3rd trimester

    Intrauterine growth retardation

    If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms while you are exercising, you should stopand seek medical attention right away:

    Pain of any kind

    Bleeding

    Amniotic fluid leak

    Dizziness

    Shortness of breath

    Chest pain

    Faintness

    Muscles weakness

    Swelling of the calves

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    Headache

    Difficulty walking

    Contractions/Pre-term labor

    Unusual absence of fetal movement

    If you weren't involved in a regular exercise program prior to getting pregnant, the 1st trimester isn't

    the time to start. If you are interested in incorporating exercise into your pregnancy try walking or

    other light exercise initially but wait until your 2nd trimester to add more challenging activities.

    By this time, morning sickness should have subsided, you'll be feeling more energetic than before,

    and your body will be more ready to handle the demands of an exercise program.

    Of course we recommend checking with your doctor about exercising while pregnant - regardless of

    your activities beforehand. They may have slight modifications and/or suggestions for you

    specifically.

    For specific exercises to do during each trimester of your pregnancy, complete with photos and

    descriptions, check out The Fit and Healthy Pregnancy Guide.