The Motherisk Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP) Forum

Motherisk receives questions from around the world about morning sickness symptoms, effects, treatments and ways to cope. Those questions and answers are posted here for anyone to read, provided the reader acknowledges and accepts the proviso and disclaimer below.

Forum > Coping: Coping worldwide

NVP and exercise

NVP Counselor
Date: 2004-10-07

Question:
I am almost 8 weeks pregnant and I'd really like to continue to work out at the gym, but I find that I get a really bad bout of nausea that lasts for hours after even a short workout (usually 20 minutes on the stationary bike and 15 minutes of light leg/arm weight equipment). I've been working out on a regular basis (3 times a week) for the past 2.5 years. I was hoping that working out would help me through a pregnancy and perhaps also help me keep my weight down through the pregnancy. Any suggestions? (Should I stop working out? Is the nausea caused by the workout?)

Answer:
It is not clear from your question whether nausea is always present and gets worse when you workout, or whether it only occurs when you are exercising. Women with NVP may wish to adjust or reduce the amount or intensity of their physical activity,since it may increase NVP. We suggest that you talk to your physician about weight control and which exercise (and how much) is right for you.

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