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Expert Q&A

	By Tracy Underwood Child and Adolescent Psychologist Children's Medical Center of Dallas

I am 11.5 weeks with my first pregnancy. I have been doing step aeorbics and a toning step class on and off for about 3 years. Before becoming pregnancy, I had been going on a regular basis of at least 3 times per week and walking on the weekends. My doctor says that it's perfectly okay for me to do step aerobics as long as I don't let my heartrate go above 120. What do you think? I am pretty good at the class and do not easily stumble on the step, as some people do. Sometimes the instructor has awkward moves. But when I feel that one of her combinations is awkward, I just do something basic instead. Are step aerobics okay during pregnancy and if so, for how long (1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester)?

Hi Tammy,

It's absolutely fine to do step aerobics during your pregnancy as long as you follow the guidelines given to to you by your doctor. When you get tired lower your step height and slow down your pace. As you are already doing, avoid overly complicated combinations that put you in danger of falling off of or tripping over the step, especially as your baby grows and sight of the step may become more difficult.

As far as how long you can step is concerned; you can continue stepping as long as it feels comfortable to you, and your doctor says it's o.k.

Good luck Tammy. I'm glad to hear that you're exercising and taking care of yourself.

April

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