The practice of a regular exercise program can be a great ally of women during pregnancy, but requires care.

The vast majority of pregnant women during that period feel musculoskeletal discomfort, especially low back pain. Such complaints are due to hip rotation, and increased ligament elasticity (Bennel, 2001).

Not physically active women, suffer from the decline in physical fitness, and the lack of physical exercises let the woman most facilitates disease during this period (HAAS et al 2005). Resistance exercise (weight training) mild or moderate has positive effects for women without causing risk to the fetus. The practice increases the strength and flexibility of pregnant women, thus leaving it ready for the body changes during this period.

Aerobic exercises are also suitable because they are capable of controlling weight gain, maintenance of conditioning and further reduces the risk of gestational diabetes, as it uses glucose as energy substrate and stimulates the production of insulin. Are not only physical benefits but also mental and emotional (STERNFELD, 1995).

Risks to the fetus

Pregnant women commonly think of the possible risks to your unborn baby, but calm down, light and moderate exercise in addition to not have negative influence on the fetus, still tend to help with higher birth weight. Already in levels of exercise with high loads, the risk exists and can cause less weight to the fetus as well as increased risk of abdominal injuries in pregnant women causing major problems (BENNEL, 2001). Contraindications in pregnancy

According Bennel (2001), the woman who has the following complications is prohibited to practice physical exercise of any origin:

Myocardial disease decompensated

Congestive heart failure

thrombophlebitis

Recent pulmonary embolism

Acute infectious disease

Preterm delivery risk

Uterine bleeding severe isoimmunization.

Recommendations on training All women who do not have the limitations listed above need to be encouraged to remain physically active. Here are some recommendations of Sports Medicine Australia:

• In pregnant already active, maintain aerobic exercise at moderate intensity during pregnancy;
• Avoid training in heart rate above 140 bpm. Exercising three to four times a week for 20 to 30 minutes. In athletes can work out at a higher intensity with security;
• Resistance exercises should also be moderate. Avoid the maximal isometric contractions;
• Avoid exercise in the supine position; • Avoid exercise in hot environments and very heated pools;
• Provided that an adequate amount of consumed calories, exercise and feeding are compatible;
• Immediately discontinue the practice of sports to develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, palpitations, and visual disturbances;
• There is no specific type of exercise that can be recommended during pregnancy. The pregnant already exercises must maintain the practice of the same physical activity performed before pregnancy, provided that care above are respected.