How hot is too hot?

[wendytk]

Hello, all! I'm another VF transplant who lurks here occasionally. My husband and I are thinking about getting pregnant. I've read varying opinions on how to exercise while you're pregnant, and I also read the heartrate and ACOG thread on here.

I'd like some more information, though. I read somewhere not to get too hot and not to raise your core body temperature. Well, isn't exercising going to raise your body temperature? I know that plenty of women exercise while they are pregnant so there must be something I'm missing. Is it ok to get hot and sweat or should I just make it really really low-impact?

P.S. It's neat to see so many familiar names on here! I'm WTK % "Pear and Proud" on VF.

 

[Margaret_Ann]

My 2 cents....

I've found that my body tells me that I'm getting too hot or working too hard. I drink plenty of water and sweat profusely....that's ok because sweat cools the body. I think staying hydrated is the most important and listening to my body. If it hurts, stop! If you feel dizzy take it down till you don't or stop. I'm not trying to up my fitness at this point, just maintain what I already have. Dr. Clapp's book is wonderful. I know Sheila has recommended it many times on this board. Explains in depth about the benefits of exercising and what you can do.

Welcome WTK, I'm sure you recognize me from VF too
) I'm in my 17th week, how are you doing?
M-A)

 

[Sheila]

Hello,

I am so sorry that I overlooked your question for so long. Answering your question...... Yes, it is okay to workout and sweat when you are pregnant as long as you follow some pretty common sense precautions. The body has some wonderful built in feto-protective mechanisms in place when you are pregnant. Research has shown that pregnant women in early pregnancy (before 8-10 weeks) are 30% more efficient in dissipating heat and are 70% more efficient in later pregnancy. That is pretty neat. Now here's the catch. You have to listen to your body, stay well-hydrated and monitor your intensity by perceived exertion and the "talk test." You should not be exercising in the hottest part of the day and you should be wearing breathable exercisewear, preferably cotton. Your water bottle should be your constant companion!

I do suggest that you purchase Dr Clapp's book, "Exercising Through Your Pregnancy." It will alleviate a lot of your fears.

I also want to add that once you discontinue birth control, you should treat yourself as if you were pregnant when it comes to exercise. The neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord, closes at 23-28 days post conception. During this time, it is very important to follow the heat precautions, but a lot of people don't even know that they are pregnant at this very vulnerable time. That is why I advise women to treat themselves as if they were pregnant after they start "trying." I hope this makes sense.

Sheila Watkins