Expectant moms need to take precautions when engaging in winter sports.

For some moms-to-be, sitting in front of a fire or taking a walk in the snow are about as strenuous as it gets. For others, the slopes and the ice rinks call. However, pregnancy brings about bodily changes that should cause even athletic types to take some precautions.

 

You needn?t be a couch potato all winter long, but you should exercise sensibly for the well-being of both you and your baby.

Step-by-Step:

1. Dress for the weather as you normally would, using layers of clothing against the cold. Your baby actually acts as an internal heat generator to help keep you warm. Take precautions not to get too cold or overheated.

    

2. Cross-country skiing is a reasonable activity if you experienced at it. Be sure to exercise in low altitudes, because the amount of oxygen available to you and the baby at high altitudes may not be adequate.

    

3. Ice-skating may be okay if you are a very experienced skater and won't fall. Try to pick a time when the rink will be empty. The last thing you need is to have little ones banging into you. Remember: If you can't keep your balance, you shouldn?t be skating.

    

4. Downhill skiing, sledding, and snowboarding are NO-Nos. The risk of injury is simply too great. Save them until next winter!