One of the concerns that you’ll often hear from a pregnant woman in regard to pregnancy exercise is the concern about heart rate. The pregnant woman needs to think about more than just her own safety and well-being, and so she’s concerned about what impact, if any, exercise might have on her growing and developing baby. While experts aren’t all agreed about what parameters should be in place, there are some general guidelines you should consider following when it comes to heart rate and body heat during pregnancy.
Many experts recommend that you don’t allow your heart rate to rise above 140 beats per minute. This is a general rule of thumb that has been used for a long time. It’s based on the idea that your heart needs to be able to provide blood to your baby, and a heart rate that’s too high may mean that your baby isn’t getting as much blood, or that it’s not as oxygenated as it might otherwise be.
On the other hand, there are those that suggest 140 beats per minute is something of an arbitrary number, and that there isn’t any solid research showing that it becomes a problem. In regard to heart rate during pregnancy exercise, probably the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor. Your doctor will have a better handle on your individual health, and may have some specific ideas about limits you might put into place.
Body temperature during pregnancy exercise is another issue, however. There is solid research that shows that an internal body temperature of 103 degrees or higher can cause a higher risk of birth defects, at least during the early weeks of pregnancy. In particular, there is a risk that your baby’s abdominal wall may not develop correctly if you become overheated.
The key will be to make sure you’re not getting too hot during pregnancy exercise. Make sure to take breaks, and that you’re also keeping hydrated. Most experts recommend moderate pregnancy exercise, and that you save the strenuous exercise for when you’re not pregnant.
