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Stress-busting!

Using Exercise to Manage Stress

By Kelly Burgess

"Women who exercise for recreational purposes view their exercise time as a stress reliever," says Dr. Clapp. "Women are often busy and over-committed with work and family obligations, and that time to themselves is very important for their mental focus."

Also, according to the March of Dimes, exercise during pregnancy not only promotes well-being, but it may help women avoid the "baby blues" during the postpartum period.

Before starting or continuing any exercise program when you're pregnant or think you might be pregnant, always get your doctor's permission. Then, according to Fehr, barring any physical symptoms or problems, most active women can exercise at the beginning of their pregnancy at the same level they were at before they became pregnant.

Fehr notes that high-impact exercises such as horseback riding and skiing should be discontinued while a woman is pregnant because of the risk of trauma to the abdomen, but she loves rhythmic exercises such as jogging, walking or swimming. They're not only good exercise, but they also help promote a mindset that can create calm and focus. In addition, these are relatively safe exercises, although jogging isn't something you should take up during pregnancy if you aren't already accustomed to it.

During Fehr's last pregnancy, it was summer in Phoenix, so she relied primarily on swimming, which she notes is very good for pregnant women because of its supportive properties. She highly recommends swimming for anyone experiencing back or joint problems.

As the pregnancy progresses, Fehr suggests switching to exercises that are more focused on contemplation, such as yoga. "It's been shown that yoga relieves physical and lifestyle stress because in yoga the focus is inward," says Fehr. "This becomes important later in pregnancy because that's a time when a woman nees to slow down, focus on what's important. Yoga helps you do that in a very centered way."

Want to see more?

• A Perfectly Fit Pregnancy: Staying Fit the Safe Way
• Pregnant Women Pump Iron: Keep Up Strength with Upper Body Work
• Stretching Your Limits: Flexibility Helps During Pregnancy
• Talk about it!

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