Safe Pregnancy - Workouts, Decongestants and Pregnancy Tips

When a woman becomes pregnant, her focus and primary concern is on her unborn baby and on how she can ensure she will have a healthy and safe pregnancy. In order to do this, she'll read everything she can, check information out in books, websites, and with other mothers, and she'll set herself upon a course for a safe pregnancy - keeping herself safe and her baby safe by checking out the many safe pregnancy tips that are available.

Safe Exercise Programs

As if it hasn't been touted enough, staying fit and healthy by eating well and exercising are two of the very basic things a woman can do to help ensure a safe pregnancy. If she worked out before she became pregnant, than a woman has a head start on things. However, safe pregnancy workouts may be different from what she was doing in the gym or outside. Personal trainers that are well educated on pregnancy are an excellent resource for establishing a safe pregnancy workout. Most women-only facilities feature group fitness classes and workouts designed especially for pregnant mothers. Swimming pools, and recreation centers are another place to seek out good instruction for safe pregnancy workouts. The staff has usually been trained in safety for pregnancy, and can help if there are questions. One thing is certain, exercise during pregnancy is a great way to stay healthy and to develop the strength that a pregnancy demands of a woman.

Dancing, Stretching, and Yoga - Fun, Fun, Fun

Dancing is another great way to stay in good shape during pregnancy - and it's fun. To develop flexibility (an excellent thing when it comes to pregnancy) and strength without straining, yoga is wonderful. It helps to maintain muscle tone with little impact upon the joints. However, it is necessary to include a cardiovascular workout a few times a week to keep things in balance and to give the heart a workout. Adding stretching to the cardiovascular workout will enhance it and make it a complete workout. Of course, if weight training is something that is enjoyed and is already a part of the fitness routine, then there's no reason to stop because of pregnancy. However, it is necessary to take precautions and lighten up if the weights are really heavy.

Taking Over-the-Counter Meds

Other areas of concern for a safe pregnancy include the use of over-the-counter medications to ease various symptoms of colds and allergies. Some of the cold and allergy medications out there are considered safe for pregnancy, while others are definitely on the "do not take" list. If there is a question as to the safety of a drug, then don't take it. See the physician to determine which drugs are recommended. Some may be okay, but there may be a risk of birth defects with others. It definitely isn't worth the chance, since no drug is 100% safe for all women. For instance, acetaminophen has been studied and is considered safe during pregnancy, but other pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are not safe.

Using Benadryl Decongestant

One over-the-counter drug that has been around for a long time and is considered a safe pregnancy decongestant is Benadryl. Yet, more research is needed to prove that Benadryl is safe during pregnancy. Since it is the oldest antihistamine available (approved by the FDA in 1946), it is preferred by many healthcare providers because there does not seem to be significant evidence of problems in pregnancy with usage. Although many doctors consider Benadryl to be relatively safe, they do advocate avoiding medication unless absolutely necessary - just to be on the safe side.